Inaccessible gas meter

[Riley]

Terraced house converted to two flats 1 up 1 down
Both gas meters are in back garden only accessible via downstairs flat.
Upstairs flat only has a combi boiler however it is at the front of the property. From a safety perspective I’d say that AECV would be a minimum here but there is no gas pipe access until it comes up in boiler cupboard at front of property so it seems pointless to fit a valve when it will manage maybe 2 meters of pipework it just seems such an odd scenario that I’m concerned that I’m missing something regs wise can anybody offer any thoughts. Cheers

 

[Harvest Fields]

If they are 2 separate flats why are you fitting an AECV?

 

[Riley]

Because in case of emergency the tenant may have no access to their meter. I’m not fitting an AECV but it seemed a logical starting point mate

 

[Harvest Fields]

Because in case of emergency the tenant may have no access to their meter. I’m not fitting an AECV but it seemed a logical starting point mate

Might be worth talking to the downstairs tenant for access.

 

[Riley]

This is the thing though mate. If it’s a terrace if the downstairs tenant is out or away there is no other way to access the gas meter

 

[Harvest Fields]

Would be easier to fit and external butterfly bolt on the gate and upstairs and downstairs have a key.

 

[Riley]

What gate fella?? It’s a mid terrace no access at either side

 

[Harvest Fields]

What gate fella?? It’s a mid terrace no access at either side

There will be access to the rear somewhere mate. Even if it is walking around the whole row.

 

[Harvest Fields]

What gate fella?? It’s a mid terrace no access at either side

You didn’t say that in the OP mate.

 

[Riley]

Yeah it’s an old 2ft wide path which has been inhabited by heathland. You’d never get up it in a month of Sunday’s.

 

[Riley]

You didn’t say that in the OP mate.

Alright mr pedantic😀
I did say just terrace but I did say no access

 

[Harvest Fields]

Yeah it’s an old 2ft wide path which has been inhabited by heathland. You’d never get up it in a month of Sunday’s.

Then yes. I would put an Additional in. But do not forget to label the fact there is an additional fitted.

 

[Riley]

As I said though mate the pipe currently goes up on a riser through the wall at floor level upstairs then runs all the way to the front of the flat. Would we be talking bringing a loop up with an AECV on it then dropping it back down into the floor within property entry regulations

 

[Last Plumber]

As I said though mate the pipe currently goes up on a riser through the wall at floor level upstairs then runs all the way to the front of the flat. Would we be talking bringing a loop up with an AECV on it then dropping it back down into the floor within property entry regulations

That sounds like your only option. Come from below floor up into AECV and test point, then back down again. Label it and label the correct meter with the info too.
Additional elbows, tee and valve along with a couple of foot of tube may effect the pressure drop but that's something you'll need to look at as you know.
I see it a lot in commercial premisses where the pipe drops down to an accessible point and then up again.

 

[Last Plumber]

Or:-
Bring it further up outside then in - AECV & Test point - down through floor??
Might look better and use less fittings.

 

[Riley]

Thanks chaps. I just wanted to make sure that my AECV thought wasn’t missing the issue entirely

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yep aecv if they only have appliance then re run the supply external

 

[Riley]

Terrace unfortunately so have no choice but under the floor boards

 

[AMGasServices]

Personally I’d install an AECV. Where possible.

However why not install an interlock (that does a gas test too) any leaks gas off.

 

[Riley]

Personally I’d install an AECV. Where possible.

However why not install an interlock (that does a gas test too) any leaks gas off.

Pure and simple mate because I’d be lucky to get LL to pay for an AECV

 

[Harvest Fields]

Pure and simple mate because I’d be lucky to get LL to pay for an AECV

Don’t give them the option.

 

[Riley]

Well now I know their son is an engineer if I play it sensibly o can get him on side

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Well now I know their son is an engineer if I play it sensibly o can get him on side

Get him to fit it 😀

 

[AMGasServices]

Pure and simple mate because I’d be lucky to get LL to pay for an AECV

I was thinking proper belt and braces. I understand what you mean. A lot of landlords hate spending money.

However I say and believe the tenanted property be better than your own house or just as good. Because if they stop paying you you’ve got a problem.

 

[Riley]

Only met very few with that mentality