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Built Over Gas Service

What is a built over gas service pipe?

A built over gas service pipe is when there is, or has been, a modification to a building structure which makes the gas supply installation non-compliant in terms of its original design and construction. When the gas service was installed into your property it was installed to the relevant gas industry standards.

The gas service pipe connecting your meter to the gas main in the street is made from polyethylene (PE). This is a standard construction material used by the UK gas industry for service pipework that terminates at gas meter locations externally to properties.

Alterations or extensions of buildings can result in the plastic gas service pipe being underneath or enclosed by part of the building. This is shown in Figures 1 and 2 below.

In some instances, this may also include enclosing previously open areas where the plastic pipework was previously outside the curtilage of the building structure e.g. alcoves and car ports.

Safety Considerations

There are a number of safety risks created by built over services, these are:

•Pipework loading – gas pipes are at risk of failure from loads applied by the new structure and more susceptible to interference damage.

•Gas entry into buildings – pipework proximity increases risk of gas entry into buildings.  Any gas leaks arising from previous external pipework may allow gas to track directly into the main building from any unsealed entry.

•Occupier safety – Lack or no fire resistance of polyethylene pipework

If the service Is built over and you do not provide consent and pay for the alteration, then your gas supply will be disconnected at the closest location to the pipe in the road or footpath. Any work to reconnect your supply will be chargeable.
Please contact us as soon as possible to organise a site visit from one of our Gas Network Engineers. We will arrange an appointment to attend and provide advice on whether a gas service alteration is required.  Please contact us on compulsorymetermoves@gtc-uk.co.uk / 01359 240363 – Option 1.
If you are looking to make improvements to your home or an extension to your property, it is important that you find out the location of the gas pipes and meter before you start. You can obtain a copy of the gas drawings by registering on our Plant Enquiries page on our website. If the proposed alterations are in the vicinity of the gas pipe or meter and you are on a GTC network you will need to contact us to discuss whether there is a need to move the meter and/or gas pipes. More information can be found on our Connections & Service Alterations page on our website.
No, we will not be installing a smart meter when completing the alteration.
Please pass this letter on to your Landlord/Managing Agent as soon as possible and ask them to contact us.
Yes, we will need to interrupt your gas supply to complete the alteration, this is usually no more than 2 – 4 hours.
Equipotential bonding of gas meters is a safety measure that ensures all metal parts in a home, especially those related to gas and water pipes, are connected to the same electrical potential. This bonding helps prevent electric shocks by providing a safe path for any stray electrical currents to flow to ground, reducing the risk of shocks if a fault occurs in the electrical system. If you built over the gas service, you will need to organise an Electrician to complete the alterations. If the previous owner built over the service, we will complete these works free of charge.
If you built over the gas service, you will need to organise a Gas Safe Engineer to complete the alterations to your internal/copper pipework including the purge and relight of your appliances. If the previous owner built over the service, we will complete these works free of charge.
On receiving signed consent and payment (if applicable) the service alteration will be scheduled within 21 days. On the day our engineers will knock on your door on arrival to let you know they are at your property. They will provide you will full identification and will do the following: · Isolate your gas supply at the Emergency Control Valve · Excavate the agreed location to access our gas service pipe (if required) · Alter the service pipe · Install new meter box and move meter (If required) · Reinstate the excavated ground (if required) · Alter the internal/outlet pipework and purge and relight your appliances (free of charge works only) · Alteration of equipotential bonding (free of charge works only)