Is It Alright For Your Gas Meter To Be Submerged In Water?

[ladybirder]

I had to take a reading from my gas meter which is situated below ground level in my garden. When I lifted the lid it was filled with water almost to the top. I had to get a jug and empty it to below the strap line where the actual reading is and even then it was difficult to read because of the condensation inside of the glass. Is it OK for it to be like this? Is anybody else's on here the same?

[boxtops]

It sounds extremely risky to me (but I could be wrong) - what happens if the water gets inside the meter?

[jomifl]

Water cannot get into the meter as the gas pressure will keep it out so it should still work OK. Seems to be a daft installation nonetheless.

[askyourgran]

I wouldn't have thought so, I would contact your Gas Supplier asap. Or wait until you get your next bill!

[237SJ]

Are you sure that your are talking about your gas meter and not your water meter?

[jomifl]

good point 237..

[sherrardk]

Surely the gas people know where it is as they have read the meter at some point (and someone installed it there) so they must think it's ok.

[EDDIE51]

I would get in touch with your gas supplier it is their meter not yours , the gas supplier owns it and is responsible for its maintenance. I do not think they would want their meter to be under water so it is their job to move it.

[Baldric]

//Is anybody else's on here the same?//

I hope not 'cos it's in a box about 3 feet up the side of my house!

[pussnboots]

Our is the same, always full of water. We have had Transco out twice as we were worried about it but they said it was ok, happens all the time.

[EDDIE51]

^^ Yes now it has been mentioned it does seem far more like a water meter. I have never heard of a submerged gas meter in a garden !

[pussnboots]

Ideally we wanted it moving higher.... but.... Transco man said..."Have you got a brick to put under it". !!!!!

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Contact British Gas, G4S or Transo.If the meter box is cracked you are liable for repairs as the box is considered part of the building.

[boxtops]

My water meter out in the street is often under water when it's been raining.... that's the one belonging to the water company though, not the one in my house, so I've never thought twice about it.

[Old_Geezer]

It's ok, gas is lighter than water, so it'll float.

[ladybirder]

Thank you all for your fast replies.

It's not actually attached to the building BS except by the pipe I suppose, but it's not screwed on to the wall. If it's their meter how can I be responsible it?

It's definitely the gas meter. Our water meters are at the front of the building, in the pavement, and are bone dry.

So as I am changing suppliers does it mean the ownership of the meter moves to my new supplier then?

[EDDIE51]

^^ Yes the new supplier will take over ownership of the meter. They might be more keen on moving it to a higher location. It is worth asking.

[ladybirder]

I'll talk to them once the changeover is complete and see what they say. If they don't mind then I don't think I mind either. The water must be coming in from underground which I suppose suggests there is a crack in the box somewhere, unless they're not made watertight.
Thanks everyone. X

[ladybirder]

Why BG Methyl?

[EDDIE51]

Did you mean the meter itself is full of water? I thought you meant the hole in the garden where the meter was is full of water and the meter was submerged. The meter itself being full of water is not good, the water will be corroding the working parts of the meter.