Submerged gas meter

Liz65

Hi, I have asked a similar question before but will ask again if that’s ok?
Our gas meter is fitted outside as we live in a park home, the meter has probably been there for about 30 years,  we have notice due to the amount of rain we have had recently that it is submerged in water! Surely this isn’t safe? We have contacted our gas supplier and gas network but they are not concerned unless we smell gas or the water is bubbly.   Would it beneficial to have a smart meter fitted instead and have the old one removed.  I don’t know if they can fit a smart meter in a park home though so will have to to ask.  

Netexporter

Old style meters will withstand being submerged, for a while at least, as they are gas-tight, so, in theory, no water can get in. The weak spot is the display, which usually ends up full of condensation, which makes them unreadable.

Smart meters have electronics and batteries inside, so are far less tolerant of moisture.

The meter is the responsibility of your supplier. Probably best to report it to them and they should try to rectify the situation.

Liz65

Thanks, I have contacted my supplier e.on and my network SGN and not got much joy

Zandoni

Old style diaphragm meters cannot be submerged, the index and it's gearing will suffer. The meter case will also rust heavily.

SAC2334

Liz65 said:

Thanks, I have contacted my supplier e.on and my network SGN and not got much joy

Certainly not up to any supplier to deal with drainage or what the weather throws at anyones property.  Bail it or pump it out with a cheap pump  if you can because no supplier will be getting involved.
.As an old meter reader for 20 years  I ve read thousands of submerged gas meters. They appear to  function ok under water. any condensation within the index , I used to gently tap it until the reading shows. Many gas meters are out in the open , no box to keep the weather out  and seem ok for years 

Liz65

Bailing water out from around your gas meter seems a bit extreme and what if I was a little old lady. Would that be acceptable to expect me to do that during cold winter storms??

ArbitraryRandom

Liz65 said:

Bailing water out from around your gas meter seems a bit extreme and what if I was a little old lady. Would that be acceptable to expect me to do that during cold winter storms??

If you are unable to read your meter for any reason then you can inform your supplier - they can either send someone to read it or (more likely) issue you estimated bills over the winter and recalculate when you can get a reading later in the year. 

If you have been in the property for a few years then you (and your supplier) should have a good idea of your normal use, so able to agree reasonable estimates to avoid you having a bill shock in the new year. 

SAC2334

Liz65 said:

Bailing water out from around your gas meter seems a bit extreme and what if I was a little old lady. Would that be acceptable to expect me to do that during cold winter storms??

Don t do anything then.Get estimated bills .Water will eventually drain off .  I managed it quite easy as a "little old man aged 67 " when I retired  Its not "extreme " to pump floodwater out away from ones property and thats what submerges semi con gas boxes built below ground level .Thousands have been doing it this week and last week . 

Liz65

Thanks for comments.  Seems everyone is prepared to put up with dodgy stuff and pay for it!  No supplier is prepared to help until it’s an emergency which could be too late by then

debitcardmayhem

Liz65 said:

Thanks for comments.  Seems everyone is prepared to put up with dodgy stuff and pay for it!  No supplier is prepared to help until it’s an emergency which could be too late by then

Have you spoken with your insurers , it’s not about putting up with dodgy stuff.

mmmmikey

The problem is that the "dodgy stuff" is either your's or the park site owners responsibility and not the energy suppliers. They supply the meter, it's up to you provide the space to put it. I know that may sound a bit tough but that's the way that it is. You really have 2 choices - if it only happens once in a while, just empty the enclosure with a bucket and sponge as and when you need to. Or if you are concerned and/or want a smart meter then have a chat with the park site owner and agree between you who pays to have the meter moved to a better location.