Ugly gas pipes/electric meter exposure

[sunflowerchick]

Hi,

Just wondered if anybody has some advice on how to solve the asthetic look of this problem? The previous owner has replaced the existing staircase and usual under-stair cupboard with a completely open design. Meaning that the very old gas pipes and meters/wires are all exposed!!! Very ugly. The height is approx nearly 6ft by 2 ft of wasted space and very awkward to disguise! It is currently being disguised by a flimsy screen, not attached.

Is there any legal way to modernise this by either:
1. Making the pipes neater and closer together not taking up so much awkward space and shape. Pipes are so long!? Closer to the floor?

2. Make it closer to the floor but accessible to build something fairly easy & attractive around it e.g. some kind of storage?

Do the pipes need to be this long & funny shape? 6ft in height with on /off tap, in & out meter. I have seen pictures of meters etc in cupboards and they are nothing like this! Electric meter looks like a total mess too, although fully working...no problems, but takes up almost half the height of the wall.

Would I need to instruct a gasman/corgi registered to make changes, plus an electrician, or could the gas company do this?

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=606121&l=e671f&id=564142406

Many thanks

 

[Gasguru]

You'll never disguise them...just build a new frame and put back a cupboard door etc.

Not sure what your local gas transporters view will be but it looks as though you have lead composite gas pipework off the meter. Contact them with a view to replacing it. And the meters not secured with a bracket.

 

[namsag]

Looking at gas service pipe there is a socket on it near floor so you would prob get away with whatever your local gas shippers (transco etc)basic charge is to move maintap down they should then renew leads an fit meter on a proper bracket. Allowing you to have smaller boxing in.

 

[sunflowerchick]

Thanks for the great advice. I hope the gas provider will be of help. I really hate this problem so it would be great to solve! It obviously didnt bother the previous owners because of their feng shui habits. I wonder if approaching the electricity provider (same company) if they would also update the look and make it neater, I can only investigate I guess. Great website, thanks.

 

[Terrywookfit]

Thanks for the great advice. I hope the gas provider will be of help. I really hate this problem so it would be great to solve! It obviously didnt bother the previous owners because of their feng shui habits. I wonder if approaching the electricity provider (same company) if they would also update the look and make it neater, I can only investigate I guess. Great website, thanks.

So what do gas meters and service pipes signify in their Feng Shui lifestyle?

Personally I think that if correctly clipped and supported they enhance the living space beutifully!!

 

[sunflowerchick]

Apparently the 'open' space is a positive - instead of keeping possesions/or clutter in cupboards?!!!

I phoned Southern Gas/Electric. The girl in the call centre didnt really know so she called 'Transco'. Apparently the only way to get them to help is if I own a council house. They are not prepared to step in when I am the home owner. So, next step is to approach someone that knows what they are doing! Corgi registered etc.