Table Of Contents
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Natural Gas Connection
You probably think that it can't be that hard to have gas connected to a property, right? Well, the process is more complex than initially meets the eye.
Gas is a popular energy source with line installs used for heating and cooking. Gas is supplied to properties from the gas main in the street through a meter. The meter measures how much gas is provided and used at your property all day and night.
You'll need to know how to connect gas if you're buying a new home or renting a property. This blog will give you all the basics for connecting gas to a property and some tips on saving time and money.
Steps To Connect Gas To A Property
Step One: Find a gas company near you
A gas connection can be a significant investment for your property. Doing some research before deciding what kind of connection you want is essential. This article will help you make the right choice for your situation.
Locate a gas company near you and find out what connection options are available for your area. It's best to go with a local provider so that there are no problems getting repairs on time.
You will get a direct connection from your current provider with minimal disruption to your home if you have an existing home with an existing gas line installed. If not, there are other options available:
Underground lines
These are simple and inexpensive but are limited by soil conditions and require excavation before installation can begin.
Aboveground lines
These are installed quickly and easily through existing manholes or utility poles. They're also less expensive than underground lines but have greater potential for damage due to weather conditions and other outside factors like ice storms or fallen trees.
Step Two: Apply for connection to the gas network
Get in touch with your chosen distributor and register your interest in connecting to their network. You will be asked to provide information like meter details and whether you are in a new or existing property.
The gas company will connect it when they're ready. If you're keen to have a connection sooner rather than later, there are specific steps you can take.
There are a few factors to consider prior to you starting:
- You need to be the owner of the property or have permission from them
- You'll need to pay for this work yourself, as most insurance policies don't cover it
- You'll require approval from the building control officer at your local council
Step Three: Notify the installer about gas appliances
Gas companies typically offer a free quote to connect your gas appliance. If you plan to get connected, make sure you let them know immediately so they can plan the work around any other jobs they have booked.
You don't want to be left without hot water or heating on the coldest day of the year. So, it's best to get it done as soon as possible. Gas companies also need to know if there are any problems with your existing pipework, such as leaks or corrosion. This is because they need to be able to maintain a safe system – any leaks can cause explosions and fires.
The gas company will send someone out to check your pipework and ensure it doesn't have any problems before connecting anything up.
Make sure you follow these tips when connecting gas appliances:
- Use only approved flexible connectors and fittings when connecting appliances to natural gas pipes (pipes that contain pressurised natural gas).
- Use only approved flexible connectors when connecting portable fuel containers (gas tanks) to natural gas appliances such as dryers and ranges/ovens. Don't use rigid hose fittings for this purpose unless specifically approved by your local building code.
You mustn't cut any corners when installing new appliances in your home. Always use authorised gas engineers and follow their advice carefully when connecting new appliances or repairing old ones.
Step Four: Discuss your project with the gas distributor
Find out who is responsible for the gas connection. A gas distributor is a company that supplies gas and electricity to homes and businesses. They may also be known as a gas network operator or an energy supplier.
The distributor will arrange for the connection of your property to their network, so you must contact them first. Contact your local council to check if any restrictions on new developments or extensions affect your property.
Contact your gas distributor and tell them what work you want to be done and when you would like it completed (this should be included in your quote). They'll send someone round to inspect the site before giving you a price for the work involved in connecting your property to their network.
Step Five: Get a quote for the gas installation
This is known as the connection fee to have gas installed. You may also have to pay a deposit.
The deposit amount usually depends on the estimated installation cost of connecting your property and other factors, such as whether you'll be using a new or existing meter box or have one installed on an external wall.
The distributor may ask for security in the form of a deposit if you're using an existing meter box. This will be refunded if there are no problems during installation. If any issues arise and you need to replace your meter, this will be deducted from your deposit first. You'll have to pay for it yourself if there's no money left in your deposit.
Step Six: Connection of your home to the gas network
Your gas distributor will connect the gas supply to your property if you're building a new house or apartment.
Your distributor will arrange for a licensed plumber or tradesman to visit your property and connect the network. Your distributor will also arrange for someone from their team to inspect the connection once it's made. This is to ensure that there are no problems with the installation or if there are any leaks.
If you want to add an additional meter, that can be done at the same time as installing the main meter. You should receive a letter from your gas supplier confirming when they expect to start work on connecting your gas supply (the 'start date').
This could take about six weeks after you have given them permission in writing. It can take longer if there are further delays in obtaining information from you or if they have problems with other customers' connections.
Contact An Expert For Your Gas Connection
A gas connection is a utility service that provides you with access to natural gas so you can use it for cooking and heating. The gas fitter will install a gas meter at your home and provide you with a gas bill. You are responsible for paying for your gas, but the government will subsidise your account based on your income.
Contact your local utility company to find out whether they provide service in the area where you plan to move. If so, confirm whether or not they offer natural gas services to new customers (if you're moving into an older home).
Determine if your property has sufficient capacity for connecting to natural gas lines. The capacity needed depends on what appliances are used in the home. It also depends on how much electricity they draw from the grid when turned on. If unsure, contact a professional to help you figure this out.
If anyone does have any questions about connecting their property to gas, they should contact their local gas distributor. Gas safety checks are required when you move into a property or change the occupancy, so you should always have them undertaken by a professional.
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