Upgrading your gas meter is a simple operation done for safety that involves disconnecting your gas supply for around 15 minutes. Learn what’s involved so we can upgrade your meter worry-free. Call now to arrange your gas meter upgrade.
Various reasons, like enhancing accuracy in gas usage tracking, may necessitate upgrading to newer 'smart’ gas meters.
Increased household gas usage from additional appliances or renovations can render old meters insufficient.
Leaky, corroded, or damaged gas meter enclosures are safety hazards necessitating replacement. Upgrading ageing underground gas pipes may also require installing newer metre models suited to the changed infrastructure.
Significant renovations that change your gas usage may require advice on upgrades from gas distributors to ensure alignment with service enhancements. Installing high-consumption appliances, such as hydronic heaters, may warrant a meter upgrade to ensure the gas supply meets increased demands.
A gas meter upgrade necessitates careful coordination among you, your gas provider, and a licensed gas fitter. Here is an overview of what to expect at each stage:
Start by contacting your gas provider for approval and to discuss the specifics of upgrading. They will assess your property’s requirements, existing infrastructure and usage levels before deciding next steps.
Once approved, obtain quotations from certified gas fitters like Plumpton Plumbing. Provide details on your existing setup, proposed new appliances and usage.
Your gas distributor’s representative might perform an on-site assessment to verify upstream capacity sufficiency for your upgraded meter. They determine final specifications for the permitted equipment upgrade.
Before the new gas meter installation day, ensure the enclosure area is clean and accessible. Your gas fitter will remove the old metre then install the new, more advanced one. Contact the distributor for final authorisation of the meter change.
Strict safety tests are completed post meter installation to detect any gas leaks from the upgraded components. Complete necessary paperwork, such as Certificates of Compliance, to finalise permits and adjust billing.
Adequately preparing your property ensures efficient completion of your gas metre upgrade. Some key areas to address are:
Clear a one-metre radius around the gas meter and keep it free from parked vehicles on the day of installation. Trim back overgrown plants, trees or shrubs obstructing the enclosure.
Check with your gas fitter and distributor about whether gas appliances can remain operating during the upgrade. Outages may be required to safely remove and replace piping connections.
Keep pets at a safe distance from the work area. Move flammable liquids like petrol cans to avoid ignition risks. Ensure appliance pilot lights are readily accessible to relight your appliances if extinguished.
Notify household members that their presence isn’t required during the upgrade, especially if interruptions in the gas supply are expected. Give neighbours advance warning in case driveway access is needed.
Adhering to these preparations allows your licenced gas fitter to safely perform the complex metre installation tasks on the day. Taking reasonable responsibility for your property conditions also contributes to satisfying safety standards for upgraded gas supply infrastructure.
The costs involved in upgrading your meter can vary depending on factors like the model, additional accessories and site complexity. Plumpton Plumbing offers transparent, upfront pricing to facilitate budget planning.
Standard gas meter upgrades generally range from $650 to $950. This covers removal of your old metre, project management and coordination, new metre supply and professional installation performed by our licenced gas fitters.
Non-standard upgrades incur extra fees if your site has restricted access requiring specialty equipment, heritage overlays or electrical works. We’ll inspect your property and clearly outline any additional expenses so there are no hidden surprises.
In terms of timeframes, allow approximately 15 business days from initial distributor approval to completion of a standard gas metre upgrade. More complex jobs may take 20 business days or longer when extra civil works approvals are needed. Our team is dedicated to maintaining precise schedules and meeting quoted installation deadlines.
Contact Plumpton Plumbing at 1300 349 338 for detailed pricing and tailored time estimates for your upgrade. Our team ensures a hassle-free experience in understanding costs and timeframes.
Upgrading gas infrastructure brings immense benefits but also risks if safety protocols are not diligently followed. Choosing a qualified gas fitter like Plumpton Plumbing is critical for legally compliant and secure completion.
Our gas fitters receive comprehensive training and undergo stringent checks of their licenses and insurance, frequently exceeding local standards, prior to conducting meter upgrades. We methodically manage hazards like gas leaks, electrical shorts, fire risks and asbestos exposure at every stage.
Removed gas meters are safely decommissioned and responsibly recycled following approved protocols. The replacement model’s specifications and installation are thoroughly inspected to ensure conformity with gas regulations and distribution network standards before reconnection.
Throughout the on-site upgrade, our team implements barricades and warnings, tests connections for leaks, and will reconnect appliances. We remain on-hand to address any safety or compliance issues identified during final checks and after metre switchover.
By selecting a reputable gas specialist for your upgrade, you can feel at ease knowing it will satisfy the highest safety and compliance obligations from start to finish.
Upgrading to modern "smart" gas metres provides customers multiple advantages these older devices lack. A key benefit is improved precision in gas usage monitoring and measurement.
Smart gas meters use digital technology for more accurate consumption tracking. This allows providers to generate bills based on highly reliable data instead of estimates. It also helps households better understand their usage patterns.
Another major upside is smart gas metres can transmit readings wirelessly back to the utility company. Gone are the days of manual in-person metre checks. Remote data transfer is more convenient and optimal for record-keeping.
Smart meters’ advanced telemetry swiftly detects leaks or anomalies and automatically sends alerts. This enhances the safety of customers’ gas supply infrastructure.
Smart metering provides detailed usage insights, enabling utilities to fine-tune supply during peak times. This prevents wastage which can translate into cost savings that ultimately get passed onto consumers.
Upgrading to a smart gas metre brings accuracy, safety and efficiency gains that keep homes powered reliably. It’s a worthwhile investment as technology enhances gas distribution services for the modern era.
After your gas metre upgrade is complete, all connected gas appliances will need to be relit. Begin by turning the gas supply back on at the mains; igniting appliances beforehand may lead to damage.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting each appliance. Typically it involves:
Should any difficulties arise, such as pilot lights failing to ignite or stay alight, shut off the gas and contact our support team. We’ll troubleshoot issues and confirm appliances are adjusted for optimal performance.
Expect a meter replacement program compliance inspection within 12 months as standard practise after upgrades. This will assess correct operating conditions for final sign-off.
While adapting to a digital gas meter requires some acclimatisation, it offers numerous benefits. The high-resolution touchscreen interface allows you to closely monitor gas usage in real-time. Review hourly, daily or monthly consumption trends to understand your peak demand periods and most heavy-use appliances.
The smart meter’s two-way communication also means any unusual usage triggers alerts to your new gas provider for rapid response. This self-diagnosing capability enhances safety and reliability.
The user-friendly digital display of smart meters is designed for ease of use, even for those less technologically inclined.
Your gas fitter will show how to read total usage and browse through consumption reports. For queries about smart meter operation, feel free to contact the expert team at Plumpton Plumbing.
Some common questions homeowners have about gas metre upgrades include:
You don’t need to be home, provided clear access to the meter location is given. Our licensed gas fitters can work unsupervised on gas infrastructure.
By furnishing your address, your distributor’s customer service team can assist you with the application process. Have your account details ready for reference.
Inform our team if anyone onsite requires uninterrupted gas supply for medical devices. We’ll coordinate closely with your distributor to minimise life support outages during the upgrade.
No, your electricity supply and electricity meter remains completely independent. Only your gas infrastructure is impacted during a gas metre upgrade.
For further details on our services and expertise, reach out to Plumpton Plumbing at 1300 349 338 or [email protected].
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