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Why Upgrade Gas Meters? Understanding the Reasons

Upgrading gas metres becomes necessary for several reasons. Outdated metres also often lack safety features present in new models. Additionally, gas companies periodically update regulation standards, necessitating metre upgrades to maintain compliance.

As you install more gas appliances or require additional gas capacity in your Ashfield home, your existing metre may no longer meet demand.

We understand this can be an inconvenience, but rest assured the metre upgrade process is quick and straightforward for the need home improvements demand. After shutting off your gas supply, we’ll remove the old metre and install the new one meeting current standards. The gas will then be turned back on and your appliances relit where required.

Ashfield Plumbing will schedule a time that suits you. Ashfield Plumbing will schedule a time that suits you.

Improved technology in upgraded gas metres allows more gas to be safely supplied to your property. New models also contain enhanced leak detection, automatic shut off valves, and anti-tamper mechanisms. All providing greater security and minimising risks within your home.

Should you need additional gas capacity for new appliances or renovations, or if Sydney Gas advises your metre requires an upgrade, please contact Ashfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. With over 25 years of gas fitting experience, we’ll make the process hassle-free.

The Gas Meter Replacement Process Step-by-Step

The gas metre replacement process typically begins when Sydney Gas contacts you to advise an upgrade is due. As your distributor, they’ll schedule a suitable time and date with Ashfield Plumbing to carry out the work.

On the day, we’ll start by introducing ourselves, outlining the job, and asking you to help us access your metre location. After visually inspecting your gas meter set up, we’ll then shut off the gas supply at the metre.

With the gas off, we’ll disconnect and remove your old gas metre before installing the new gas meter in its place. The model selected by Sydney Gas will connect to existing pipework using specialised techniques.

Once secure, we’ll turn your gas back on and conduct safety checks to detect leaks using advanced equipment. Provided all testing successfully passes, we’ll then relight your gas appliances and ensure normal operation.

The entire process typically takes 1-2 hours from start to finish depending on accessibility around the metre area. As it’s for safety and regulation, there is no charge to you. We know it can disrupt your normal routine but we aim to keep this hassle-free.

Should you have any other questions regarding your upcoming gas metre replacement, don’t hesitate to call the team at Ashfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338.

Paperwork and Approvals Needed for Meter Upgrades

When your gas metre requires an upgrade, as your home owner there is typically no paperwork or further approvals needed on your part. Sydney Gas as the distributor coordinates the installation between themselves and Ashfield Plumbing.

Upon being notified of the upgrade, you may however need to provide safe access to your meter by clearing any debris or obstructions around it. This ensures our technicians can perform their work safely and efficiently without impediment.

In some cases, owners of heritage listed properties in the Ashfield area may need council approval before upgrade work proceeds. If this applies to you Sydney Gas will advise the necessary steps to obtain permission. This helps guarantee heritage aspects remain unaffected.

For standard properties, Sydney Gas will arrange the scheduled upgrade day and time that suits you. They’ll also apply for any road occupancy permits if metre access impacts public land. We then attend onsite on the day to handle the replacement work.

By handling paperwork between themselves and councils, Sydney Gas simplifies the process for you. If you have any other questions regarding approvals, contact Ashfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338 - we’re happy to help explain requirements.

Using a Licensed Gas Fitter

When undertaking gas metre work, it’s crucial you only ever hire a licenced gas fitter. All gas fitting in NSW requires the tradesperson to hold a gas work licence for legal compliance and public safety.

At Ashfield Plumbing, all our plumbers are fully certified and accredited gas fitters. We meet the strict requirements and training standards set by NSW Fair Trading to perform this specialised work.

Beware that using unqualified handymen to upgrade or service gas systems in Ashfield homes contravenes regulations. It also poses significant risks should faulty work lead to gas leaks or explosions.

Our gas safe plumbers are experienced working specifically on residential and commercial gas metre installations and upgrades. We follow the technical procedures and safety protocols to the letter every time.

For complete assurance and peace of mind, trust only the licenced professionals at Ashfield Plumbing for your gas fitting needs. Contact us on 1300 349 338 to arrange an obligation-free quote.

Safety Checks Performed During Meter Replacements

Replacing your gas metre is a precise process requiring rigorous safety checks at multiple stages. This ensures the ongoing integrity of your gas supply in Ashfield and the safety of your home.

After shutting off your gas and removing the old metre, we visually inspect the new metre for faults before installation. We then pressure test all new gas connections we have made to detect leaks. We use advanced electronic gas detectors for precise leak detection.

Once the metre is installed, we turn your gas supply back on and re-check all pipework for leaks using our detectors. We also ensure normal gas pressure. Provided all tests pass, we then relight and test appliances to guarantee safe functioning.

We need full access around the metre for equipment during testing. Please contact Ashfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338 with any access issues prior to upgrades.

By adhering to industry safety procedures, we aim to provide essential gas metre upgrades with minimal disruption or risk. Your safety and that of your home’s gas supply is always the priority.

Potential Costs to Customers from Meter Upgrades

While the gas metre upgrade itself incurs no direct charges as its an essential safety and compliance measure, there can be minor indirect expenses for Ashfield customers to consider.

As the gas needs shutting off for 1-2 hours during the replacement, household appliances wont function throughout this period. So some downtime and disruption to your normal routine will occur. We endeavour to minimise this as much as possible.

When turning your gas back on, appliances like hot water systems with pilot lights will require relighting. Our gas plumbers will handle this for you as part of the job. However on some older complex systems, adjustments may be needed to account for the updated metre.

In a small number of cases with commercial equipment or triple-burner cooktops, you made need specialised technicians in addition to our services to programme or calibrate appliances following the upgrade. Well advise if this applies prior to starting work.

Our expert Ashfield plumbers take all care to make your gas metre replacement a smooth hassle-free process. Contact us on 1300 349 338 if you have any other questions or concerns.

Timeframes and Accessibility for Meter Work

A standard gas metre upgrade typically takes 1-2 hours from start to finish. After shutting off your gas supply, removing the old metre, installing the new upgraded model, and relighting appliances, our gas plumbers can have you back up and running smoothly.

Our company will liaise with Sydney Gas to schedule a suitable appointment time that minimises inconvenience to your household. We know your time is valuable, so we work efficiently to replace metres as quickly as possible.

For your safety and that of our technicians, it’s imperative that clear, unobstructed access to your metre is established prior to work commencing. Please ensure overgrown vegetation, debris, vehicles, or other hindrances are removed from the metre area.

On the day, we’ll phone prior to arrival to ensure you’re prepared. We’ll then discuss the plan, confirm access, and talk through the orderly sequence of gas isolation, metre exchange, reinstatement of supply and testing.

By coordinating effectively with energy distributors and customers, our gas plumbers aim to perform metre upgrades smoothly and promptly. Contact Ashfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338 with any questions about timeframes or accessibility for your upcoming metre work.

Appliance Relighting After a Gas Meter Upgrade

After completing your gas metre upgrade, well need to relight affected gas appliances in your Ashfield home. This includes hot water systems, space heaters, ovens and cooktops with pilot lights.

Our licenced plumbers will first check all burners and pilot assemblies are intact without blockages or faults. We then reignite pilots and test appliance operation to ensure the flame is burning cleanly and evenly with no issues.

For basic home ovens or cooktops, relighting is a quick 5-10 minute process per appliance. With more complex systems like instant gas hot water units, testing and adjustments may take 30-60 minutes to guarantee safe functioning.

If you have any specialty commercial equipment or troubles getting appliances to relight, we can arrange a certified technician. However in most cases, our gas safe plumbers can handle relighting all household appliances.

We’ll also provide tips on maintaining pilot lights and advise if equipment needs servicing or upgrades after the metre replacement.

Let the team at Ashfield Plumbing make your gas metre upgrade as smooth as possible by relighting appliances for you. Contact us on 1300 349 338 with any questions.

Handling Gas Leaks Post-Upgrade

In the unlikely event a gas leak is detected after your metre upgrade, prompt action is crucial for safety. As the property owner, pipework between the metre and house is your responsibility. If the leak is identified here, youll need a licenced gas fitter to repair faults.

Upon detecting a leak inside with our advanced equipment, we immediately advise all occupants to evacuate while we shut off the gas at the mains. Ventilating the property, we carry out thorough leak checks to identify and rectify the exact location.

If we confirm the leak source is from new pipework connections made during the metre installation, Ashfield Plumbing will rectify this free of charge. However, if its traced to existing pipes or appliances, repair costs are the owners responsibility. In all cases, we remain onsite to oversee repairs for safety.

While rare, it’s essential all residents understand gas leak emergency procedures - evacuate if you smell gas and call Ashfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338. Our experienced gas fitters are always available to promptly handle any leak situation.

The Importance of the Meter Installation Registration Number

Every gas metre has a unique Metre Installation Registration Number (MIRN) for identification purposes. When your gas metre is upgraded, it’s important to be aware of this new MIRN.

We recommend home and business owners in Ashfield record their updated MIRN after a gas metre replacement. This ensures you have the correct details for any future interactions regarding your property’s gas supply.

If further work or maintenance is required, tradespeople can use the MIRN to quickly pull up specifications and history on your individual gas metre. Supervisors can also reference past jobs using this number. Additionally, energy retailers access MIRNs to link your account to the metre.

So make sure to file the Metre Installation Registration Number provided on your gas metre compliance certificate after upgrades. Knowing your MIRN helps guarantee accurate identification and efficient assistance regarding your gas supply.

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