What’s Involved in a Gas Meter Upgrade?

Introduction to Gas Meter Upgrades

Upgrading your gas meter is crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant gas supply to your home. Strathfield Plumbing specialises in gas meter installations and upgrades. This article explains the intricacies of new gas meter installations, enhancing your understanding of gas supply enhancement.

Reasons range from home renovations necessitating relocation to replacing aging units, transitioning to smart meters, or complying with updated safety regulations.

Installing a new gas meter requires meticulous planning and coordination with your utility provider. A licensed technician will visit your property to replace your old meter with a new one. Once complete, the technician will need to enter your property and relight your gas appliances.

During the upgrade, gas supply to your home will be shut off. Meter installation usually completes within 2 to 3 hours, covering both removal and setup.

Strathfield Plumbing will guide you through local regulations, ensuring a seamless gas meter upgrade. Read on as we break down everything involved in upgrading your home’s gas metre.

Why Your Gas Meter May Need Upgrading

Several factors might necessitate upgrading to a newer gas meter in Strathfield and the surrounding Sydney region:

1. Your existing metre is old and reaching the end of its lifespan. Gas meters typically require replacement every 15-20 years due to wear and tear.
2. You are renovating your home and need to relocate the gas metre. Upgrades are often required to meet compliance.
3. Your provider is rolling out smart metres in your area which have remote reading capabilities and provide more accurate gas usage data.
4. Upgrades to meet changing safety standards and regulations in the gas industry. New metres have enhanced safety features.
5. Your home’s gas usage has increased and your existing metre can no longer cope with the higher demand. An upgraded metre will ensure optimal gas flow.
6. Improvements in metering technology means upgraded metres are more accurate and efficient. Digital gas metres are currently being tested in Australia.

For issues such as inaccuracies or damage to your meter, contact Strathfield Plumbing to discuss an upgrade.

Preparing for Your Gas Meter Upgrade

Upgrading your gas meter requires preparation to guarantee a smooth process. Here are the key steps involved in preparing for your gas metre upgrade:

1. Ensure there’s clear access to the meter location. Remove any objects obstructing the gas metre so the technician can access it easily.
2. Ensure the meter box is adequately protected. Make sure the gas metre box has a proper lid and is sheltered if outdoors.
3. Confirm appointment details. Double check date, time and all details provided by your gas utility company for the upgrade.
4. Plan for a gas outage by anticipating a 2 to 3-hour disruption during the upgrade and adjusting your schedule accordingly.
5. Secure pets away from the work area for safety. Restrain dogs/pets and keep them away from the work area for safety of all parties.
6. Ensure that appliances are accessible if needed. If appliances need to be accessed to relight pilots, ensure they are clear and accessible.
7. Check house numbering. Do a careful review to ensure your address is clearly marked to circumvent any challenges the technician might face reaching you.

Following these steps ensures preparation for a hassle-free meter upgrade. Let us know if you have any other questions!

What to Expect During the Gas Meter Upgrade Process

Upgrading your gas meter is a clear-cut process, generally taking 2 to 3 hours. Here’s what our customers can expect:

1. A licenced technician will attend your property at the scheduled appointment time agreed with your gas provider. They will introduce themselves and outline the upgrade plan.
2. The technician will turn off your gas supply at the metre and disconnect your old gas metre unit.
3. They will then install the new gas metre, securing it neatly into position and reconnecting all outlets.
4. Once installation is complete, the technician needs to enter your property to relight all gas appliances one-by-one, following relevant safety checks.
5. With all pilots re-established and supply restored, the technician will take a final metre reading. You’ll also be provided documentation about your new metre.
6. The technician may need access to areas like your kitchen, laundry and hot water unit to access appliances. The gas outage means appliances will take 30-60 mins to reheat once the new metre is activated.

It’s vital to be present during the 2 to 3-hour upgrade window to facilitate meter changeover and appliance relighting. Our technicians endeavour to minimise disruptions to your gas supply throughout the installation.

Important Safety Checks Performed

During the gas metre installation process, Strathfield Plumbing’s licenced technicians perform several important safety checks to keep you and your family safe.

All technicians complete the following critical safety tests:

• Pressure tests on the new gas metre and relevant outlets to check for leaks, ensuring gas tightness according to Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601.1
• Verification that the metre complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4641, which covers the design, safety and accuracy requirements for new gas metres in Australia
• Inspection to confirm appropriate metre protection is in place, such as a sealed cover or barrier to avoid damage
• Spot checks of connections and piping in accordance with manufacturer specifications
• Review of proper ventilation for indoor gas metre locations
• Issuing a safety certificate that outlines the completed checks for homeowner records

Your new meter will meet industry standards, thanks to compliance with Australia’s stringent gas metering regulations and thorough safety testing.

For clarity on our safety protocols during your gas meter upgrade, you are welcome to learn more about our rigorous standards.

Your Responsibilities After the Gas Meter Upgrade

While qualified technicians manage the gas meter upgrade, homeowners have important post-installation duties.

Following a gas metre upgrade, you should:

• Daily monitor all gas outlets and the meter for leaks for several days post-upgrade. Signs include the smell of gas or visible damage.
• Test appliances by igniting pilots to ensure proper function.
• Review documentation provided on your new metre’s features.
• Ensure the metre and piping remain protected from weather/damage.
• Immediately call a licensed gas fitter if you detect leaks, pilot issues, or other problems.

It’s critical to engage qualified gas professionals like those at Strathfield Plumbing if any issues arise with your appliances or gas system after the metre installation. Never attempt to fix problems yourself.

Regular checks and monitoring ensure that the new gas meter provides safe and reliable service. Yet, we encourage our customers to reach out if they require assistance with relighting pilots or have any pertinent queries.

The Benefits of Upgraded Gas Meters

Upgrading your gas meter offers numerous benefits for homes in Strathfield and surrounding areas.

The key advantages of installing a new gas metre include:

• Enhanced Accuracy - New digital meters offer more accurate measurements of your home’s gas usage.
• Enhanced Efficiency - Upgraded metres optimise gas flow, which can lower fuel consumption.
• Advanced Safety Features - Modern metres have inbuilt safety cut-offs and leak detection capabilities.
• Compliance with New Standards - Upgrading ensures your metre meets the latest metering regulations in NSW.
• Convenience - Smart metres enable easy remote readings instead of manual reading.
• Free Installation - Offered complimentary by your gas provider under their expansive meter replacement program.

Upgrading your outdated metre also future-proofs your gas infrastructure. Keeping current with the latest meters ensures continuous access to safety, precision, and reliability advantages.

Contact Strathfield Plumbing to find out if your meter is due for an upgrade and to learn about its potential benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Meter Upgrades

Do I have to pay for a gas metre upgrade?

Most often, gas meter upgrades are covered at no extra cost by your gas utility as part of their ongoing asset management and meter replacement programs. Check with your provider, but upgrades are typically free as it is the utility’s responsibility to maintain metres.

How long does a typical gas metre upgrade take?

The onsite works for a routine gas metre upgrade take 2-3 hours from start to finish. This includes removal of your old metre, installation of the new one and relighting of appliances. However, you’ll need to factor in coordination and scheduling prior through your utility.

Can I upgrade my own gas metre?

No, by law only qualified and licenced gas fitters can install, alter or upgrade gas metres in Australia. Never attempt gas metre works yourself. Contact Strathfield Plumbing to arrange metre upgrades.

When will I need to upgrade my metre?

Your gas provider will advise you if your metre requires upgrading for reasons like age, condition or changing standards. They oversee a meter replacement program aimed at updating meters that have surpassed 15 years of service. Contact us if you notice metre issues.

How do smart gas metres benefit me?

Smart meters facilitate remote gas usage readings, eliminating the need for you to be home during meter readings. This eliminates the necessity for a technician to access your home, offering more granular tracking of gas consumption and assisting in recognising usage tendencies.

What safety checks happen during metre upgrades?

Strict safety tests are completed on new metres including leak checks, compliance certification and ventilation inspections. Alongside conducting essential safety checks, our certified experts will relight your appliances and issue a comprehensive safety report.