Utility company suddenly charging for pipe damage from months ago

susie112

Almost 4 months ago, myself and my father were digging in the front garden of my house when we accidently damaged a shallow gas pipe. We were not aware the pipe was located so close to the surface. Workers from a utility company were called out to fix it. We were given the impression that we would not be charged for this work because these workers recognised that the pipe was very shallow. Months went by where we did not hear from the utility company and the incident completely faded into the past. Until yesterday when we received an invoice in the post from them stating we owe £1,100 for the work carried out nearly 4 months ago which must be paid immediately.

Surely there is some time limit to when they can back charge for work they carry out? Also, they have given no warning this bill was coming and no timeframe to pay this large sum by- requesting payment immediately.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, thank you.

Keep_pedalling

There is a time limit but that limit is 6 years. How deep was the gas pipe? How old is the property?

susie112

About 30cm. Property was built in 1914. Thanks.

zagfles

This would probably be covered by your home insurance, have you checked? If it is covered they'd probably understand the rules and perhaps would dispute the charge if the pipe wasn't deep enough, so you might not even lose any no claims record. 

mmmmikey

Hi - I'd suggest writing to them stating that you had understood from discussion at the time of repair that because this is a very old pipe and had been installed just below the surface you would not be charged. The damage was caused by normal gardening and not due to excavation for other purposes. Your assumption is that this information hasn't been passed on to them and as such the bill has been sent out in error. Could they confirm this? I'd keep the letter short and friendly to avoid the risk of them digging their heels in. Who pays for what is well regulated although no doubt there is some discretion on their part as to whether they issue a bill or not. As long as you keep it friendly the letter may well elicit a helpful response, but if it doesn't they'll probably reply by explaining what the rules are and you can take it from there.  Hope this helps, Mike.

FreeBear

Check your household insurance - It might cover you for accidental damage to gas pipes.

Hoenir

Those undertaking the repair wouldn't have any say in whether the repair was a chargeable event or not.  Agreeing with what somebody is saying is a simple and easy way to kill a conversation.  

lohr500

Did you happen to take any photos? They may help in any discussion with the utility company.

susie112

No unfortunately I didn't take photos. I didn't think it would be necessary at the time.

35har1old

mmmmikey said:

Hi - I'd suggest writing to them stating that you had understood from discussion at the time of repair that because this is a very old pipe and had been installed just below the surface you would not be charged. The damage was caused by normal gardening and not due to excavation for other purposes. Your assumption is that this information hasn't been passed on to them and as such the bill has been sent out in error. Could they confirm this? I'd keep the letter short and friendly to avoid the risk of them digging their heels in. Who pays for what is well regulated although no doubt there is some discretion on their part as to whether they issue a bill or not. As long as you keep it friendly the letter may well elicit a helpful response, but if it doesn't they'll probably reply by explaining what the rules are and you can take it from there.  Hope this helps, Mike.

How do you no its a old pipe?susie112 said:

Almost 4 months ago, myself and my father were digging in the front garden of my house when we accidently damaged a shallow gas pipe. We were not aware the pipe was located so close to the surface. Workers from a utility company were called out to fix it. We were given the impression that we would not be charged for this work because these workers recognised that the pipe was very shallow. Months went by where we did not hear from the utility company and the incident completely faded into the past. Until yesterday when we received an invoice in the post from them stating we owe £1,100 for the work carried out nearly 4 months ago which must be paid immediately.

Surely there is some time limit to when they can back charge for work they carry out? Also, they have given no warning this bill was coming and no timeframe to pay this large sum by- requesting payment immediately.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, thank you.

If excavation was carried out by sub contractor I could see them not having there bill paid for at least 2 months.Then being forwarded to the Utility company accounts department to process the bill.
At the time did you take photos showing the depth ie with a tape measure in the photo you have said about 300mm. Acceptable depth is 375mm?
Was it a metal pipe or yellow plastic?
Was the area compacted requiring you to double dig beyond normal 250mm?

mmmmikey

35har1old said:

mmmmikey said:

Hi - I'd suggest writing to them stating that you had understood from discussion at the time of repair that because this is a very old pipe and had been installed just below the surface you would not be charged. The damage was caused by normal gardening and not due to excavation for other purposes. Your assumption is that this information hasn't been passed on to them and as such the bill has been sent out in error. Could they confirm this? I'd keep the letter short and friendly to avoid the risk of them digging their heels in. Who pays for what is well regulated although no doubt there is some discretion on their part as to whether they issue a bill or not. As long as you keep it friendly the letter may well elicit a helpful response, but if it doesn't they'll probably reply by explaining what the rules are and you can take it from there.  Hope this helps, Mike.

How do you no its a old pipe?susie112 said:

Almost 4 months ago, myself and my father were digging in the front garden of my house when we accidently damaged a shallow gas pipe. We were not aware the pipe was located so close to the surface. Workers from a utility company were called out to fix it. We were given the impression that we would not be charged for this work because these workers recognised that the pipe was very shallow. Months went by where we did not hear from the utility company and the incident completely faded into the past. Until yesterday when we received an invoice in the post from them stating we owe £1,100 for the work carried out nearly 4 months ago which must be paid immediately.

Surely there is some time limit to when they can back charge for work they carry out? Also, they have given no warning this bill was coming and no timeframe to pay this large sum by- requesting payment immediately.

I would greatly appreciate any advice, thank you.

If excavation was carried out by sub contractor I could see them not having there bill paid for at least 2 months.Then being forwarded to the Utility company accounts department to process the bill.
At the time did you take photos showing the depth ie with a tape measure in the photo you have said about 300mm. Acceptable depth is 375mm?
Was it a metal pipe or yellow plastic?

Hi - the point of my post was that bouncing it back nicely puts the onus on them to tell you why they think you should charge you, and hopefully to use any discretion they have to waive any charges if any are due. Getting into a debate about the details is in effect drawing up battle lines and if you do this you'll blow any chance of goodwill.