Understanding Gas Meter Relocation
Relocating your gas meter may be essential for renovations, extensions, or optimising your space. However, repositioning a gas meter on your own is strictly illegal due to significant legal and safety risks.
Gas meters incorporate precise instruments that regulate gas flow into your property and are integral to its function. Only certified professionals, like electricians or registered gas engineers, should undertake your meter relocation, encompassing installation, maintenance, and transfer. DIY attempts to move a gas meter are illegal, unsafe, and could result in severe consequences.
Upon work order placement, liaising with your certified gas distributor or network operator becomes essential, as they will oversee cost assessment, inspect your property, provide a quote, schedule the task, and ensure a safe gas meter relocation.
This guide explains the process for relocating your gas electricity meter in Sydney, NSW. This guide covers when to move it, associated costs, timelines, working with licensed professionals, and tips for a seamless process.
Reasons You May Need to Relocate a Gas Meter
Multiple scenarios might necessitate moving a gas meter in Kellyville or the greater Sydney area, relevant to both homeowners and businesses:
- Home renovations or extensions - If you’re refurbishing or broadening your dwelling, you would like your gas meter relocated if it impedes new construction or isn’t optimally situated. Relocating it to accommodate building work, possibly to a side wall, and It’s advisable to consult with your gas retailer for guidance on the process.
- Safety enhancements - Relocating your gas meter may be necessary to meet updated safety standards. This ensures ongoing safe operation of your electric meter, aligning with the latest standards.
- Hot water systems upgrade - Introducing a new hot water system may necessitate relocating the gas meter closer to the new connection point.
- Meter damage - If your gas meter is damaged or faulty, it may be replaced with a new one at a safer location.
- Commercial site changes - Businesses expanding their premises or changing site layouts can require gas metre relocations.
- Upgrading to smart metres - Wanting to enhance your home’s energy management with a smart meter upgrade? Some providers administer this service, potentially involving a quest for an optimal spot where the gas meter can be installed.
- Aesthetics - Some homeowners choose to relocate their metre to an outside wall to enhance the property’s aesthetics and move it away from the front facade.
It’s imperative to recognize that only qualified specialists can oversee the tasks essential for a smooth gas meter relocation. Licenced professionals will ensure you move gas meter safely and legally.
Safety Considerations When Moving Gas Meters
To move your gas meter, always adhere to strict safety precautions, as gas leaks and improper installation can be extremely hazardous. Remain vigilant of key safety considerations during your gas meter relocation:
- Contact licensed gas engineers who are legally authorized to handle meter relocations, which involve the disconnection of gas pipes.
- The area around the metre must be well-ventilated before you turn your gas back on, to prevent gas buildup.
- Before any work begins on your gas supply, Confirming there’s no gas flow to the metre—there are no leaks or unrestricted valves—is essential by halting it at the primary meter point.
- You will need to remove your appliances that are connected to the site where the meter can be found, as these will be disconnected during the relocation.
- Ensure the meter and its gas lines undergo pressure testing for leaks before reconnection, and contact professionals for any concerns.
- An adult over 18 is essential on-site during the gas meter installation, as they’ll ensure compliance with stringent safety requirements.
- The gas network operator may need to perform work on the main gas supply pipes outside before and after the move.
- Technicians must wear protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and hardhats, to ensure safety throughout the relocation process.
- The new meter location must comply with current safety codes and allow easy access for emergencies.
Never embark on a DIY gas metre move; prioritise safety and ensure your qualified specialist oversees every detail before we leave your premises secure. Follow all instructions from technicians to keep the process safe for you, your home and your family.
Hiring a Licensed Professional
Gas fitting work involves complex technical skills and can be extremely dangerous if handled improperly.
Some key reasons you’ll want to hire our licenced professionals include:
- Compliance with all necessary safety standards and procedures
- Ability to safely disconnect and reconnect gas lines
- Testing for leaks to prevent hazardous gas buildup
- Ensuring correct gas pressure and supply throughout the relocation process
- Completing necessary paperwork and approvals with gas utility providers
- Providing certified gas safety certificates upon completion
Don’t take risks with a DIY gas metre move; consult your plumber for professional guidance.
As your gas fitter, the specialists at Kellyville Plumbing will do our best to accommodate your gas meter relocation needs efficiently.Give us a call at 1300 349 338 or email [email protected] to book a consultation. Our team can assist at any stage, from providing quotes to set up ideal timeframes, liaising with utilities, and moving your gas metre safely as per regulatory requirements in Sydney.
Hiring a Licenced Professional
Compliance with all ner RelocationEngage with our team to find out who will brief your providers on what’s necessary to prepare, ensuring you inform your gas provider before your scheduled gas metre relocation:
- Clear at least a one-metre radius around the existing gas meter, removing any obstructions or debris as required by your gas service provider.
- Check with your gas supplier to understand how do I discern if they need any tasks completed beforehand or have specific prerequisites.
- Validate eligibility with your supplier who can possibly affirm if applications for 'complimentary meter relocation services’ fit your distinct needs or situation.
- You should ascertain the necessary steps for inspection and restoration of your gas appliances that will be temporarily disconnected and reconnected to safeguard functionality.
- Ensure your electricity gas metre and any pets are secured away from the work area on the day of the relocation.
- Have an adult over 18 present during the entire gas metre relocation for safety.
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Taking these preparatory steps allows for a smooth gas metre relocation appointment. Let the experts at Kellyville Plumbing handle all the complex technical aspects safely and compliantly.
The Step-By-Step Process
Ensure a smooth transition when you contact your gas professionals for relocating a gas meter, which involves these key steps:
Initial Consultation
When relocation is pressing, it’s pivotal you ring your gas provider to trigger the proceedings. They can give you a clear picture of your relocation aspirations, dispatch a technician for an on-site appraisal, and unfold a quote detailing timeline and financial outlays.
Preparing the Current Location
Before the relocation day, create a cleared space of at least 1m around your existing gas meter gas service area, remove obstructions, and your provider can tell you if any prerequisites exist. An adult over 18 should be present.
Shutting Off Gas Supply
The technician will make an appearance on site and isolate the gas at the mains, aligned with your energy supplier’s protocols. The gas pipework to all connected devices will be disconnected at this stage.
Meter and Pipework Relocation
The existing meter is dismantled when relocating gas infrastructure. Subsequently, new pipes are installed leading to the designated location where the meter is reassembled and secured.
Reconnection and Testing
With the metre relocated, appliances are reconnected. Extensive tests are conducted to check for leaks and ensure proper gas pressure.
Restoring Supply
The main gas supply may go ahead and be turned back on once the technician confirms that everything is safe and correctly functioning after work in the new setup.
Certification
Complete all the necessary paperwork with your utilities to certify that your meter relocation adheres to the relevant codes and standards.
Follow this comprehensive process with your licenced gas technician such as Kellyville Plumbing to ensure a smooth, compliant, and safe gas metre relocation, addressing any do i need concerns.
What to Expect With On-Site Estimates
Most gas meter providers conduct a site visit, sending a qualified technician to provide an on-site estimate for your planned relocation. Here’s what you can anticipate as you gear up for moving gas meter during the inspection and consultation phase, including understanding when to participate in the process:
- The technician will assess your current setup and determine the best course of action to move my meter to the proposed new location.
- They will assess any complications or additional work needed, such as extending gas lines.
- You’ll be asked questions about your goals for moving the metre and timeline.
- The technician will outline a process customised to your property and specific requirements.
- You will receive a detailed quote, clarifying costs and allowing you to budget for your gas usage.
- Timeframes for completion will be discussed.
- An inspection pass sticker may be applied if the new location meets requirements.
- Paperwork with the official estimate and next steps will be provided.
This on-site estimate contains everything you need know, including how can i get information about who will manage your gas metre relocation and the specifics for your property. Ask questions and be sure all details are clear before signing paperwork or paying any fees. The technician is there to help guide you through the process.
At Kellyville Plumbing, we provide transparent, obligation-free on-site quotes. Secure your spot with less than a moment’s effort; contact us today on 1300 349 338 to book your metre relocation consultation.
Factors That Influence Costs
- Distance of the move - Relocating the metre more than a small distance will hike up the costs due to additional piping and labour time.
- Complexity of pipework - Rerouting gas lines around walls, utilities, or other obstructions adds complexity and costs.
- External mains work - If the gas network operator needs to move pipes on the street mains, extra fees apply.
- Contractor coordination - Using a third party contractor instead of your regular gas provider may incur additional costs.
- Removal of obstructions - Clearing space around the current metre may involve removal fees.
- Administrative and supply charges - Fixed charges your utility might levy, like filling out paperwork and shutting off the supply, may apply.
Completing Safety Checks and Inspections
Once you’ve moved and reconnected the gas meter in your new home, it becomes crucial for thorough safety checks and subsequent inspections to be completed by qualified technicians.
In Sydney, The technician who performed the relocation can assess if they can move your meter safely by conducting extensive leak checks on all piping and connections using leak detection equipment. The new gas metre installation must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1 for gas fittings.
Pressure tests will also be performed to ensure gas is flowing at the proper regulated levels through the metre and pipes. The technician may use a manometer to check pressure readings.
Flame failure testing will be conducted by igniting connected gas appliances to confirm the flames extinguish when the gas supply is turned off - a critical safety mechanism.
Do you ponder, 'what can do to get confirmation if the entire new gas system is compliant?' Rest assured it will be inspected for adherence to all Sydney and national plumbing and gas fitting standards. This gives assurance that the metre relocation has not compromised safety.
In addition, a representative from your gas utility company may conduct their own inspection of the new metre setup before officially clearing it for resumed service.
Ensure all safety checks are completed, meeting necessary requirements. Never restore gas supply until full certification is provided stating your system is 100% safe and compliant.
Upgrading to a Smart Meter
When enhancing your supply with a gas metre move, it could be opportune to upgrade to a smart metre, with Smart meter systems offer benefits such as:
- Real-time monitoring of gas usage and costs via a smartphone app or web portal.
- More accurate billing since readings are taken digitally.
- Ability to spot abnormal gas usage that could indicate leaks or faults.
- Potential savings on your energy bills through closer gas monitoring.
Upgrading is a seamless process carried out by your gas provider. New digital smart metres are installed instead of standard analogue metres. This upgrade can be synchronized with the comprehensive gas meter relocation.
At Kellyville Plumbing, Our licenced gas professionals stand ready to install your innovative smart gas metres concurrent with your prearranged metre transfer. We handle all aspects of the upgrade, liaising with your gas electricity retailer. Going digital gives you more control over your household or business energy use.
Consider upgrading to a smart gas meter during your meter relocation in the Sydney area. Contact Kellyville Plumbing on 1300 349 338 to learn more about installing new smart metres during your gas metre move.