Introduction to Gas Meter Upgrades
Homeowners can greatly benefit from gas meter upgrades due to advanced meters featuring digital remote capabilities, enabling accurate tracking and convenient readings, which are crucial for scenarios like life support dependency.
Drummoyne Plumbing specialises in gas meter upgrades, from property preparation to installation and restoring supply, with safety as our paramount concern.
Understanding why you need a gas meter upgrade is crucial:
- Installing new gas appliances that require a higher gas capacity
- Replacing old, damaged metres
- Enhancing the precision of meter readings
- Enabling remote reading functionality
The upgrade process is streamlined so you don’t need to worry about disruptions. In collaboration with your gas provider, we facilitate a seamless transition. Discover the advantages of smart meter technology, including detailed gas usage tracking, on our website.
Upgrading your gas meter is a great way to modernise your gas service and take advantage of new innovations.
Our team of experienced gas fitters are here to help you change your meter and guide you through the process from start to finish.Get in touch or continue reading to learn more about gas metre upgrades.
Reasons Homeowners May Need to Upgrade Their Gas Meter
There are several reasons why you may ask yourself, 'do I need to upgrade my gas meter?':
- Installing New Gas Appliances - If you are adding any new gas appliances in your home, you might identify a need to upgrade the gas meter to accommodate the increased gas demand. Old meters might fail to meet the gas demands of modern high-efficiency appliances.
- Increasing Gas Capacity - You may simply need more gas capacity than your current metre can provide, especially if you have added gas appliances or renovated parts of your home. Upgrading allows greater gas flow to meet your home’s needs.
- Ageing Metre - Old metres can become corroded or damaged over time. Should your metre be over 15 years old, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a new, modern one to maintain safety and reliability.
- Remote Metre Reading - New smart metres allow for remote gas metre readings, eliminating the need for manual metre readings by the gas company. This is more convenient and provides real-time gas usage data.
- Improved Accuracy - Digital smart metres provide more accurate gas measurements compared to old analogue models. This allows for better tracking of gas consumption.
An upgrade to modern meters brings enhanced safety, reliability, and efficiency to homeowners. Participate in our meter replacement program to have new smart meters installed with minimal disruption to your gas supply. Reach out today for insights on residential or commercial gas meter upgrades.
Working with Gas Suppliers to Coordinate the Upgrade
When planning a gas metre upgrade, we will work closely with your gas supplier every step of the way to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
After your upgrade request, we liaise with your gas supplier to arrange a date for installation. Depending on availability, we strive to accommodate upgrades within 5-20 business days.
On installation day, ensure your gas supply is off at the meter when our licensed gas fitter arrives. Our team aims for efficiency and safety as we remove your gas meter and install the new smart meter device.
Anticipate a short gas outage, around 2-3 hours, during the exchange; however, staying at home is not an issue. We’ll relight all your appliances once finished and conduct safety checks to ensure proper functioning.
Post-installation, your energy provider will take steps to remotely connect and activate the new smart meter while we handle the relighting of your appliances. Within 24 hours, you’ll have access to your online gas account to view consumption data in real time.
We are available throughout the installation to address any issues promptly. Our gas specialists manage every aspect of the upgrade in close consultation with your retailer, making the process hassle-free for you.
Upgrading your residential or commercial gas metre requires careful coordination, but our team has the experience and expertise to handle all the regulatory and technical requirements for you. Contact us to learn more or get started on your gas metre upgrade today.
Safety Checks Performed During a Gas Meter Upgrade
When upgrading gas metres, qualified plumbers follow stringent safety procedures to mitigate risks and ensure code compliance. Here are some key safety checks we conduct:
- Testing for leaks - Our procedure involves using leak detection fluid and electronic detectors to scan the gas pipes for leaks before we remove the old meter.
- Deactivate gas supply - The gas supply is shut off at the metre before removal to prevent accidental discharge.
- Ventilate the area - We ventilate work areas to avoid gas accumulation during the meter exchange.
- Protect your electricity meter and other electrical systems - Any electrical appliances or lines near the meter are shielded or de-energised as a precaution.
- Purge gas lines - After installing the new metre, gas lines are purged of any trapped air to avoid ignition issues when relighting appliances.
- Relight appliances - Appliances are cautiously relit in a controlled manner once gas supply is restored to the property.
- Verify gas pressures - Gas pressures are verified to be within safe operation levels across the gas pipework.
- Check for compliance - The completed installation is inspected thoroughly to ensure compliance with all codes and standards.
Safety is our utmost priority. Allow our skilled team to manage your meter exchange while adhering to strict safety standards.
Paperwork Required for a New Gas Meter Installation
The main documents required are:
- Application form - This is submitted to your gas provider requesting a new metre. We’ll help complete this on your behalf.
- Notice of metre change - The gas company will send you confirmation of the scheduled installation date.
- Certificates of Compliance - Our licensed gas fitters issue these certificates post-installation, confirming adherence to regulations.
- Metre installation notice - You will receive paperwork from the gas provider when your new metre is activated and connected.
As part of the application, we’ll guide you through the necessary permits or council approvals needed for the meter upgrade. This depends on your local area regulations.
Here at Drummoyne Plumbing, we handle all the paperwork and coordination with your gas supplier. We aim to make the upgrade process hassle-free while ensuring full compliance. If you have any questions about the required documentation, our team is happy to explain the process in detail.
The main documents required are:
\ - Application form - This is submitted to your gas provider requesting a new metre. We’ll help complete this on your behalf.
\ - Notice of metre change - The gas company will send you confirmation of the scheduled installation date.
\ - Certificates of Compliance - Our licensed gas fitters issue these certificates post-installation, confirming adherence to regulations.
\ - Metre installation notice - You will receive paperwork from the gas provider when your new metre is activated and connected.
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Step-by-Step Process for a Gas Meter Upgrade
Upgrading your gas metre is a multi-step process that involves preparation, installation, and restoration of service. Here is an overview of what to expect:
- Schedule an installation date with your gas provider and our team.
- Clear a 1-2 metre workspace around the metre for safe access.
- Turn off and disconnect any gas appliances prior to the upgrade.
- Verify there’s nothing between the meter and the surrounding area, such as foliage or fences, that may impede access.
- Our technician will shut off gas supply at the metre before beginning work.
- The old metre will be carefully removed and the new smart metre installed.
- Gas lines will be purged of air and leak checks performed to ensure safety.
- Expect approximately 2-3 hours of no gas supply during the upgrade.
After Installation
- Your gas supply will be restored, and you might ask, 'do I need to do anything?' before the appliances are relit once the new meter is activated.
- Our team will remain onsite to ensure proper functioning and address any issues.
- Your gas provider will enable remote access so you can monitor usage online.
- Certificates of compliance will be provided for your records.
Our qualified technicians adhere to strict safety procedures throughout the entire gas metre upgrade process. Contact us today to learn more or get started.
Schedule an installation date with your gas provider and our team.Preparing Your Property
- Clear a 1-2 metre workspace around the existing gas metre. This gives our technicians adequate access to safely remove the old metre and install the new one.
- Disconnect any gas appliances that are connected to the metre. This includes gas ovens, stoves, pool heaters etc. Turn off the gas valves for each appliance.
- Ensure pets are secure and fish ponds covered near the meter area to prevent accidents.
- Check for any structures or foliage around the metre that need to be moved to allow access, such as latticework or trees.
- Read your final gas metre reading and supply this to your gas provider for billing purposes.
Let us know if you have any access issues or obstacles around your address that may affect the gas meter upgrade process. We’ll provide guidance to get your property prepared for a smooth gas metre upgrade.
Clear a 1-2 metre workspace around the existing gas metre. This gives our technicians adequate access to safely remove the old metre and install the new one.Disconnect any gas appliances that are connected to the metre. This includes gas ovens, stoves, pool heaters etc. Turn off the gas valves for each appliance.Ensure pets are secure and fish ponds covered near the meter area to prevent accidents.Check for any structures or foliage around the metre that need to be moved to allow access, such as latticework or trees.Installation Day
On installation day, our licensed technicians adhere to rigorous safety protocols throughout the upgrade.
Here’s what you can expect on installation day:
- The technician will introduce themselves and explain each step of the process before getting started.
- Your gas supply will be shut off at the metre while the old gas metre is removed.
- We’ll ventilate the meter area and meticulously check for any gas leaks.
- The new smart gas metre will be installed in place of the old metre.
- The gas pipelines will be purged of any trapped air and pressure tested.
- Expect approximately 2-3 hours of gas supply interruption during the metre exchange.
- Your gas appliances will be relit in a safe sequence once gas is restored.
- We’ll verify all appliances are operating correctly before departing.
Safety is our top priority. We meticulously ensure a safe, correct, and minimally disruptive gas meter upgrade. Our team manages the entire process and are available to answer any questions.
With Drummoyne Plumbing, you can have confidence that your gas metre upgrade will be handled expertly by highly skilled technicians. Contact us today to schedule your installation.
After the Installation
Your gas supply will be turned back on, and we will re-light all gas appliances that were disconnected, including hot water systems, stoves, pool heaters etc. Each one is tested to ensure it is functioning properly.
Our team will monitor gas pressure levels across your system to verify they are at safe operating ranges as per industry standards. We also check for leaks, odours or abnormalities that could indicate an underlying issue.
Before leaving the site, we perform a final safety inspection and may use a gas detector to validate no residual gas buildup or leaks are present. We also provide certificates of compliance for your records.
We want to ensure your gas network is running perfectly after the metre upgrade. Our work is 100% guaranteed, so call us anytime if you have any issues. Our commitment runs deep when it’s about securing our customers’ satisfaction with their new gas meter installation.
Your gas supply will be turned back on, and we will re-light all gas appliances that were disconnected, including hot water systems, stoves, pool heaters et leaks, odours or abnormalities that could indicate an underlying issue.
Before leaving the site, we perform a final safety inspection and may use a gas detector to validate no residual gas buildup or leaks are presegas meter can cost between approximately $200 to $600, based on the type and features. Smart digital metres cost more than basic analogue metres. We ensure the use of durable, high-quality meters from well-regarded manufacturersy require a permit for the metre installation ranging from $50 - $150. We handle the permit application process for you.
Administration Costs
Some minor administrative fees from your gas utility may apply, such as metre application costs and account establishment fees for smart metres. Well clarify any small print items in advance.
Prices for a standard gas meter upgrade are all-encompassing, generally setting you back between $500 to $1000. We provide upfront fixed quotes with full transparency. Get in touch to learn more about costs for your specific upgrade needs.
There are a few costs and fees to be aware of when upgrading your gas metre:
A new gas meter can cost between approximately $200 to $600, based on the type and features. We ensure the use of durable, high-quality meters from well-regarded manufacturers.
Installation costs, including our licensed plumbers’ work and materials, range from $150 to $250. More intricate upgrades may incur additional costs.
