Broke a gas pipe - now I got the bill

[ericmark]

I would think if they can't find it, the assumption must be it never existed. But this is for the lawyers to argue, not a simple electrician like me.

 

[akist]

back in the day the guys would just have moled them without asking anyones permission if it made it easier

Also point out it was a joint service (teed into yours) which should not have been done either as it is not allowed

It was not teed-off my pipe, it appears it ran from the street and under my drive, for about 30 meters, then veering off under flowerbeds and terraces into the neighbour's land, under his drive and eventually to his gas meter.

It is unreasonable to expect myself to know and take precautions about a random gas pipe feeding someone else's house.

SGN have since installed a new pipe from the street under the neighbour's driveway and to a new gas meter, and have decommissioned the pipe running under my driveway.

I have just sent an email to the obundsman explaining this, what good will it do who knows. I have also raised a claim with the insurers, spoiling my 5 year no claims record, but I hope the obundsman will see sense and not make me pay for the neighbour's new gas pipe.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I presume this was done in the 80s when the two houses (mine and neighbours) were originally built. Someone at that time must have given them permission.

I would wager they ran both services together from the main to a convenient point where the neighbours veers off to their property as it was easier at the time. Builder was only interested in getting the gas connected and the properties sold, they had no interest where the pipework ran provided it didn't get in their way.

Came very close to going through the gas service into my Parent Home a few years back when we Block Paved the Driveway, it emerged literally just below the concrete floor of the garage when we removed the original macadam, before dropping down deeper under the ground.