I wanted to update my own experience about a live/dead test in my property...(I can't find the original thread for some reasons - pity).
Anyhow I wanted to get re-connected to the gas supply and last week the NG sent an engineer to perform a Live/dead test to see if the piping was suitable for a reconnection.
The "engineer" performed in my opinion a very sloppy service - the guy didn't even bother to open the valve outside - he only opened the cap with a wrench and said "I have to record it as dead" - that would had cost me between £600-1000 for a new gas pipe installation!
Not happy about that "service" I rang my supplier and then the NG stating I would challenge their decision and inviting them to send another engineer for a proper check - I didn't mention scary words like OFCOM or else...
Today, early in the morning....the same guy (the NG engineer) came to my property to do a second check - 5 minutes earlier he rang me to say the pipe was live...
(as simple as that).
He was apologetic and mentioned that because it was being unused for more than 12 months it was customary to assume the piping was dead - also, the removal of a gas meter is often associated with bills not being paid and so declaring the piping as dead became also a form of getting something back (for who the supplier of NG? Then, I always paid my bills) - I replied that when I asked for the removal of the meter (because of some major renovation in the property), I made it clear it was only a temporary move and so the pipe should be kept live (with or without meter).
Anyhow...job done - in a few weeks I get the new meter and re-connection for free - 600-1000 still in my pocket!
I feel sorry for anyone who give up too easily - 600-1000 for a job not needed just because of a "customary" set of procedures made to suck money from anyone too accommodating or too shy to ask.
The message is clear...keep a close eye.
Anyhow I wanted to get re-connected to the gas supply and last week the NG sent an engineer to perform a Live/dead test to see if the piping was suitable for a reconnection.
The "engineer" performed in my opinion a very sloppy service - the guy didn't even bother to open the valve outside - he only opened the cap with a wrench and said "I have to record it as dead" - that would had cost me between £600-1000 for a new gas pipe installation!
Not happy about that "service" I rang my supplier and then the NG stating I would challenge their decision and inviting them to send another engineer for a proper check - I didn't mention scary words like OFCOM or else...
Today, early in the morning....the same guy (the NG engineer) came to my property to do a second check - 5 minutes earlier he rang me to say the pipe was live...
(as simple as that).He was apologetic and mentioned that because it was being unused for more than 12 months it was customary to assume the piping was dead - also, the removal of a gas meter is often associated with bills not being paid and so declaring the piping as dead became also a form of getting something back (for who the supplier of NG? Then, I always paid my bills) - I replied that when I asked for the removal of the meter (because of some major renovation in the property), I made it clear it was only a temporary move and so the pipe should be kept live (with or without meter).
Anyhow...job done - in a few weeks I get the new meter and re-connection for free - 600-1000 still in my pocket!
I feel sorry for anyone who give up too easily - 600-1000 for a job not needed just because of a "customary" set of procedures made to suck money from anyone too accommodating or too shy to ask.
The message is clear...keep a close eye.
