How Do I Move My Gas Meter?

Is it possible to move a gas meter?

Yes, it’s feasible to move your gas meter by adhering to the appropriate steps and energy requirements.

You’ll need permission from your energy supplier, who owns the gas meter and pipes, before proceeding with relocation. Begin by contacting your supplier and submitting an application that outlines your reasons and the proposed new location for the meter.

Your energy supplier will evaluate your property to ensure the proposed new location for the meter complies with necessary requirements, which include:

• Ensuring it is situated in an accessible, ventilated space on an external wall.
• Placing the meter at a safe distance, ideally not exceeding one metre from your front door or potential ignition sources.
• Having accessible gas isolation valves positioned upstream from the meter’s new site.
• Providing sufficient clearance around the meter to ensure safety during access.

If sanctioned, a licensed gas fitter authorised by your supplier can disconnect and transfer the meter, as well as the connected pipework and appliances; simply enter your request and we’ll handle the rest. Isolating the gas supply is a vital safety step before starting work. Timeframes can vary but to determine the precise duration, the job may take less than 1-5 business days depending on complexity.

The cost moving your electricity gas meter will depend on how much pipework needs relocating, whether any extensions or upgrades are necessary and if appliances require reconnecting. Expect costs to start around $500, rising above $5,000 for intricate installations. Your gas fitter will provide a precise estimate of the costs to move the gas meter, customised for your needs.

For expert advice on moving your gas meter, reach out to North Ryde Plumbing at 1300 349 338.

Safety and legal considerations when moving gas meters

You must adhere to strict safety and legal requirements to move your gas meter.

Contact a local licensed gas fitter, as they are the only professionals permitted to disconnect, move, and reconnect gas meters on your property. It’s illegal and extremely hazardous for individuals to attempt this themselves.

Professionals must adhere to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601 for all gas-related tasks. Key requirements include:

• Isolating the gas supply and making sure to turn your gas off at the appliances prior to disconnection
• Testing for gas leaks after reconnection using leak detection fluids and monitors
• Checking the soundness of infrastructure and pipework connections with pressure tests
• Ensuring that the correct commissioning and relighting of appliances is managed by gas safety professionals.

Gas fitters undertake extensive training and are equipped to conduct all gas infrastructure work safely while complying fully with regulations. Homeowners must avoid DIY attempts with gas appliances and leave the job to certified professionals for safety reasons.

Contact the team at North Ryde Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for professional, compliant and fully regulated gas metre relocation services in the North Ryde area.

Why you may need to relocate a gas meter

There are several common reasons you might need to relocate your gas meter:

• You’re undertaking major renovations or creating a new home extension and hence need to reposition the meter to align with the fresh layout and access specifications.
• The current meter box location is inconvenient, difficult to access or read. Relocating it can improve functionality.
• The gas meter box is rusty or damaged and needs replacing. When replacing it, you may as well reposition it.
• You wish to relocate your meter to facilitate area redesign, like paving or landscaping.
• The metre was originally poorly positioned. Moving it creates better, safer access.

If these situations apply to you, relocating your gas meter could be significantly beneficial. An experienced gas fitter like the team at North Ryde Plumbing can assess your site and advise whether a move meter action makes sense.

We handle the entire process, select service from obtaining distributor approval, disconnecting pipes, capping outlets, reinstalling and reconnecting everything to code. Contact us on 1300 349 338 to discuss your gas metre relocation.

Who to contact to move a gas meter

The initial action if you need move your gas meter is to outline the new position to a licensed and registered gas fitter, like the professionals at North Ryde Plumbing. Gas fitters are the only professionals legally allowed to handle gas metre relocations and associated pipework.

Following an initial consultation, you should also expect the gas fitter to submit an application to your distributor, which will tell your meter network operator of the intended relocation. If approved, your gas retailer will arrange a suitable timeline to complete the works.

As your energy supply will need to be safely isolated and reinstated, using a trusted professional gas fitter helps ensure the transition with your energy supplier is smooth, timely and fully compliant with regulations.

Request a quotation or arrange a site visit for your gas meter relocation in the North Ryde region by contacting our team on 1300 349 338 or via email at [email protected]. With 10+ years experience, we take care of the entire process for you.

The permitting process and regulations for gas meter relocations

Relocating a gas metre requires obtaining permits for the meter point from your distributor and complying with applicable regulations. In North Ryde and Sydney, the process generally involves:

1. Submit your relocation application to your gas distributor, ensuring no detail is missed; we leave every aspect meticulously planned, providing a thorough account of your proposed new metre location and the rationale for moving it.
2. Having your property assessed by the distributor to check if the new gas location meets clearance, ventilation and other safety requirements as per AS/NZS 5601 gas installation standards.
3. receiving formal approval from the distributor to move your gas, which you’ll need to secure prior to any relocation.
4. Engaging a licenced gas fitter like the team at North Ryde Plumbing to safely complete the new connections as approved. This involves gas meter gas service disconnection, pipework alterations and metre reconnection.
5. Arranging meter commissioning and appliance relighting inspections from the distributor to ensure all components are compliant prior to restoring your gas supply.

Strict protocols must be followed throughout the relocation, especially regarding the safe isolation and reinstatement of the gas supply system. Our team manages this complexity so you don’t have to.

To begin a gas meter service alteration, reach out to us at 1300 349 338.

Preparing your home for gas meter relocation

Relocating a gas metre requires some preparation to your home or property beforehand:

1. Ensure a 1 metre clear access zone around the existing meter so the gas fitter can work safely.
2. Coordinate with your plumber or building manager if you live in an apartment or unit complex regarding isolating the gas supply.
3. Make sure all your natural gas appliances are turned off at their isolation valves prior to disconnection.
4. Remove any fixtures, fittings or personal items that may hinder access to the metre area.
5. Check if extensions, upgrades or alterations are needed to your gas pipes to accommodate the new location.
6. For external relocations, ensure that your natural gas meter proposed area has adequate clearances and ventilation as per standards.
7. Coordinate for your hot water systems and other gas appliances to be relit post-reconnection by your gas fitter.

The team at North Ryde Plumbing can provide all you need know for complete project management of your gas metre relocation, taking care of all preparations, coordination and restoration. Contact us on 1300 349 338 to discuss the options.

What to expect during the relocation process

When relocating a gas metre, there are several key stages to expect:

1. Initial site assessment - A certified gas engineer will evaluate the compliance of both current and potential new meter sites against safety and ventilation standards.
2. Gas supply isolation - The gas fitter will shut down and isolate the supply at the meter before disconnecting pipework, which clients can observe for a clear understanding of the process.
3. Meter disconnection - The gas fitter will remove the meter and associated pipework from its current location.
4. New location preparations - The area for the new metre may require modifications to install your reinstalled equipment properly.
5. Meter reinstallation - The gas fitter expertly reinstalls your meter, valves, and pipes at the new site as approved.
6. Reconnection and testing - Pipework will be reconnected to the metre before the gas supply is turned back on. Thorough testing checks for leaks.
7. Commissioning - Final inspections ensure full compliance before the metre and your appliances can be recommissioned.

The team at North Ryde Plumbing will get your meter installed from start to finish. Contact us on 1300 349 338 to discuss your gas metre relocation.

The costs involved in moving a gas meter

Gas meter relocation typically ranges from $500 to $5000 or more, depending on various factors:

• Labour makes up the bulk of the cost, due to the technician’s time and expertise required for the service. Expect to pay hourly rates for tasks like isolating gas supplies, disconnecting pipes, extracting and reinstalling the metre, making fittings and alterations, testing for leaks and recommissioning appliances.
• Parts & materials – The cost of new gas pipes, fittings, and equipment for adjustments or upgrades to accommodate the new meter site.
• Permit fees – Relocation may incur administrative charges from your distributor for permits, assessments, and inspections.
• Restoration costs – Expenses for repair work such as re-turfing or re-concreting properties affected by meter relocation activities.

The team at North Ryde Plumbing can get your accurate upfront quote outlining proposed metre relocation works, timeframes and exact costs after inspecting your site. Contact us on 1300 349 338.

The timeframe for relocating a gas meter

The typical timeframe for completing a standard gas metre relocation is 1-5 business days. However, the full process can take 2-6 weeks when factoring in obtaining distributor permits, site assessments, and installation availability.

Initially, you’ll need to submit your application for relocation and have your property assessed, which may take 1-2 weeks depending on your gas distributor. Upon approval, your certified gas fitter can find out the best schedule to arrange the reallocation activities in collaboration with your supplier.

The disconnection, extraction, reinstallation and reconnection of the metre system, including the service pipe, usually takes 1-3 days. You might also need to account for additional time needed for significant pipework alterations or rectification works if issues arise.

Final compliance inspections and restoration works can add another few days before your supply of gas, appliances, and full functionality are reinstated.

The team at North Ryde Plumbing can help to work promptly to complete metre relocations within expected timeframes. Contact us on 1300 349 338 to discuss your options.

Questions to ask your gas fitter or utility provider

Licencing and Qualifications

• Are you a licenced and registered gas fitter?
• Do you have extensive training and experience in safely relocating gas metres?
• Can you provide documentation of your qualifications and licences?

Process and Timeframes

• What is the full process you follow to go about moving a gas metre?
• How long does a typical relocation take from approval to final reinstatement of supply?
• What factors can influence timeframes and delays?

Safety and Compliance

• How do i ensure gas supply isolation, disconnection, and reconnection are undertaken safely and adhere to standards?
• What procedures do you follow for leak detection testing after the relocation?
• Can you provide paperwork confirming all completed work meets necessary compliance and regulations?

Service and Support

• If any issues arise during the relocation, how quickly can you respond?
• Is post-works restoration of any property damage included?
• Do you offer any guarantees or warranties on service and workmanship?

The team at North Ryde Plumbing would be pleased to discuss your gas metre relocation and answer any queries confidently based on our extensive experience and impeccable standards. Contact us on 1300 349 338.