Gas Supply Pipe And Ecv (Emergency Control Valve)

[SparklyKid]

If the valve assembly becomes corroded/faulty, who is responsible ?

[fbg40]

As far as I'm aware, anything upto the gas meter is the responsibility of the relevant gas supplier - no doubt if I'm wrong somebody will put you right !! Hope this helps.
FBG40

[SparklyKid]

That is what the Cadent website says. Our meter is below ground level and the cabinet floods during rainfall. The meter is completely submerged. Both Cadent and Npower says there is a charge to raise it higher.

I am happy to leave it as it is, unfortunately it cannot be read, the display cannot be seen.

[TonyV]

Yes same with all utilities, up to meter or to stopcock in the case of water, it is the utility companies responsibility, after that the property owner.

[SparklyKid]

Thanks for replies.

[The Builder]

Just one thing to add to Tony's post.

When a service is put in, the utility company supplies pipework to the building, terminating at the ECV. This all belongs to them.

The meter is supplied by (and is the responsibility of) your gas company, the one who bills you.

After that, the pipework in the building is all yours.

[TonyV]

Sparkly I would advise them by writing (recorded delivery) about flooding and asking for a written reply advising your that it is perfectly safe and should not be of any concerns to yourself. If you can find out who health and safety exec is thats who I would write to. The meter is owned by the gas company.

[TonyV]

Thanks for correction Builder

[SparklyKid]

Thanks all. Been here ten years, had many faulty meters replaced. One was fitted in October 2018 so far down the water level constantly covered the regulator, causing the boiler to fault. I had to pump the water out 2/3 times a day.

After many phone calls and e-mails it was replaced before Xmas.
Npower have no details of this meter, who fitted it, when and what was initial reading.

They seem quite happy to estimate future consumptions, good luck with that. The consumption history prior to Oct 18 bears no resemblance to the very low usage after. If and when the unreadable meter is replaced it cannot be dismantled as this would compromise the certification of the meter.

I am looking forward to their next move. They seem perfectly content my getting a free gas supply.

[TonyV]

Sparkly they not billing you at all then?

[SparklyKid]

I send readings of what I estimate to be my usage, even though the meter in their records has long since been replaced.

[SparklyKid]

I make monthly DD payments.

[TonyV]

So you're not actually getting free gas supply then, but because of your low estimated readings your bills are small? Normally or at least in my experience suppliers like to read the meter themselves at least once a year.

[SparklyKid]

The meter is impossible read . the ingress of water has damaged the display. All you see is black sludge.

[TonyV]

OK Sparkly you seem to be financially better off having it submerged then.

[SparklyKid]

Npower called last week, referred it to Cadent who, pushed it back to Npower.

Npower called again this morning, same old, shook his head and walked away.

Got to phone Cadent Monday who will no doubt say, it is a chargeable job.

I will not pay a penny. Different if I wanted a conservatory and meter was in the way.

Meter completely unreadable, nobody cares. Looks like free gas for ever, happy days.

I still pay by direct debit. I estimate one unit per day, looking forward to a refund.

[TonyV]

Yes you will be entitled if you can't read the meter

[The Builder]

Sad, isn't it, Sparkles.
Rather like civil servants. Keep passing it around until it (hopefully) disappears ;o)

[SparklyKid]

It would be a very simple plumbing job to elevate the meter six inches.

I just want it sorted.

[The Builder]

I've been looking into this, Sparkly.
You don't say how this situation came about in the first place.
What happened?

[SparklyKid]

Hi Builder. The meter is below ground level. During rainfall the cabinet fills up with water. Slow to drain away. Previous meters were also affected, the problem was the regulator which, when submerged, caused the boiler to fault and shut down. I used to pump the water out regularly but at seventy odd find it a bit arduous. All the meters around me are similarly sited, most are just above the water level. Mine is completely submerged.