Upgrading your gas meter ensures greater efficiency and safety. Our qualified technicians make the process hassle-free, taking care of all aspects from start to finish. Contact us today to upgrade your gas meter and take advantage
Upgrading your meter is an important process that ensures ongoing safety and accuracy of your gas supply. For those who need home gas meter upgrades in Rockdale, Sydney, several reasons may necessitate this process.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on what’s involved in a gas metre upgrade, including the typical process, reasons utilities require an upgrade, costs, timeframes, and how to prepare. We’ll also share tips to make the installation and transition to your new metre as smooth as possible.
As your trusted Rockdale plumbers since 20XX, we want to ensure our customers understand gas metre upgrades and feel empowered to navigate the process. Accurate measurement of gas usage and early detection of potential leaks or issues relies on modern, well-maintained metres.
While upgrading gas infrastructure can be disruptive, it’s a critical step in providing safe, reliable gas supply to Australian homes. Let’s explore the ins and outs of these metre changeouts and how Rockdale Plumbing can support you along the way.
There are several reasons why gas companies may require homeowners and businesses in Rockdale to upgrade their gas metres:
If your home or business starts using significantly more gas - for example, if you install new gas appliances or production equipment - your existing metre may no longer be adequate. Upgrading provides a metre sized for higher demand.
Like any equipment, gas metres gradually wear out over years of continuous operation. Seals and moving components degrade, affecting accuracy. Most metres have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years before needing replacement.
Modern gas meters have enhanced safety features and measurement accuracy. Upgrades may be mandated in line with changing industry regulations to ensure gas is supplied and measured safely.
Upgrades to underground gas pipes and infrastructure in the neighbourhood may also trigger a metre replacement to match updated supply lines and pressure. This ensures seamless integration when they access your system for the upgrade.
As gas metres are owned and maintained by utility companies like ATCO, homeowners are not responsible for organising or funding voluntary upgrades. These would be scheduled by ATCO directly. However if you receive an upgrade notice, it’s important to comply and arrange suitable access.
Replacing your gas metre is a multi-step process coordinated by your gas utility company. While timeframes and specifics may vary, upgrades generally involve:
The utility manages the upgrade process end-to-end. As a homeowner, your role is to complete any preparation tasks like clearing vegetation, arranging access, and scheduling appointments.
Upgrades usually take around 4-6 weeks from approval to the final appliance relight. During the upgrade you will be without gas supply for 1-2 days. Understanding what to expect will help you plan and accommodate the temporary outage.
The process of upgrading your gas metre starts with an initial request or application to your gas utility company. For Rockdale residents, your gas provider is most likely ATCO Gas.
To begin, contact ATCO to notify them you need your gas metre upgraded or replaced. Having the Metre Installation Registration Number (MIRN) for your property ready will help identify the correct metre.
ATCO will outline the application process, including any forms or supporting documents required. Typical details needed may include:
Submitting a complete application helps progress the upgrade approval faster. ATCO will then schedule a site inspection to confirm details like access, safety clearances, and metre location suitability.
Clear outdoor access of 1-2 metres in front, to the sides and above the existing or proposed new metre location is crucial. Overgrown vegetation, structures blocking access, or unsafe installations may delay approval.
If access and conditions satisfy requirements, ATCO will confirm upgrade timeframes and next steps. We recommend contacting Rockdale Plumbing once approved so we can advise and assist with preparation as needed.
Once your gas metre upgrade application is approved, we strongly recommend contacting a licenced gas technician to inspect your site and assist with preparations.
As the property owner, you are responsible for arranging safe access to the metre before and during the upgrade. Overgrown trees, locked gates, vehicles parked in front, or other obstructions must be addressed.
Our technicians can advise on necessary clearance zones, recommend temporary access solutions like timber walkways if needed, and highlight any safety issues to rectify. We can also disconnect and cap any exposed gas lines to get your site upgrade-ready.
During the inspection, inform us if anyone in your home uses life support equipment relying on uninterrupted gas supply. We can explore backup solutions and notify emergency services if an extended outage seems likely.
With ample preparations, your meter upgrade and transition to your new gas meter will be seamless. Please call Rockdale Plumbing to schedule an on-site consultation as soon as your application is approved.
Once site preparations are complete, ATCO will schedule the installation of your new gas metre. This typically occurs within 15-20 business days.
On the scheduled installation date, the technician will arrive to exchange the old gas metre for the new one. This involves:
With the new metre installed, the technician will check it is recording usage correctly. You may notice a strong gas smell during testing as the lines are re-pressurised.
Before the technician departs, they will relight your disconnected gas appliances and ensure normal operation. If you have any issues, call our team on 1300 349 338 for assistance.
Once your gas is back online, contact Rockdale Plumbing if you notice any leakage, irregular appliance function, or error codes. It’s important we check your system for safety and performance.
After installing a new gas metre, technicians must perform thorough safety checks to ensure compliance with regulations and safe operation.
Accuracy and performance, especially after having your meter changed, in Australia is governed by the Gas Distribution System Code, AS4645, and other standards. ATCO gas technicians strictly adhere to these codes when conducting post-installation safety checks.
Typical checks include:
Paperwork validating these safety checks must be completed by the technician for gas utility and compliance records. Homeowners can request a copy for their own peace of mind.
By law, gas companies must ensure every metre upgrade or installation meets the highest safety benchmarks. If you ever suspect an issue with your metre or gas appliances, contact our team immediately on 1300 349 338.
Upgrading your gas metre typically involves little to no upfront costs for the customer. Gas metre equipment is owned and maintained by the utility provider, so replacement programmes aim for minimal customer expense.
In most cases, ATCO Gas will schedule a standard gas metre upgrade at no charge under regular maintenance policies. Where fees do apply, common expenses may include:
Ultimately, any costs depend on the technical requirements, complexity, and materials involved in your gas metre switchout.
Customers reliant on continuous gas supply for medical or life support equipment may also qualify for priority upgrades at no personal cost. Please notify your gas provider if continuous supply is essential.
For further advice on potential fees and costs, contact our team at Rockdale Plumbing. We can clarify charges specific to your upgrade scope and liaise with ATCO if any subsidies or waivers apply.
Most gas companies like ATCO Gas offer metre replacement programmes to upgrade old, inaccurate, or unsafe metres across their networks.
Gas companies continuously monitor and assess the metres installed at each property. Based on age, performance data, and testing results, they schedule replacements for metres reaching the end of their safe working life.
These regular upgrades are typically performed at no charge to customers. ATCO aims to replace standard residential metres around every 15 years under their maintenance policies. Notifications are sent out well in advance of scheduled replacement works.
Faulty, damaged, or inaccurate metres are also replaced promptly by gas companies as required. Issues like measurement errors, broken parts, leakage, or tampering may trigger an unscheduled metre swap out.
Again, providers like ATCO cover the costs involved as this equipment falls under their responsibility. Customers will be notified if any problems are detected with their metre function or accuracy.
If you receive a notification about an upcoming gas metre replacement, confirm details with the provider if you have any uncertainties. For further advice, your trusted Rockdale plumbers can clarify what’s involved so you know what to expect.
To discuss your upcoming gas meter replacement job or check if you qualify for a free upgrade programme, please contact the ATCO team on XXXX XXX XXX.
After a gas metre upgrade, there are a few key things to remember regarding care and maintenance from the customer’s perspective.
It remains important not to obstruct access around the gas metre following installation. Technicians still require clear space to conduct inspections, maintenance, metre readings or emergency repairs. Allow at least 1 metre clearance in front and 30cm on other sides.
Take care not to let items or vehicles impact the gas metre. Damage to equipment can cause gas leaks or measurement issues. Install bollards or barriers if needed to prevent accidental damage.
Inform your gas provider, such as ATOC Gas, regarding changes like alterations to gas appliances or usage. Higher demand may require them to assess if your metre needs upgrading again to suit increased load.
If technicians require access for servicing or repairs, ensure you are available to provide entry at scheduled times. Rescheduling wastes time and delays important checks.
By following these post-installation care tips and facilitating any required maintenance access, your new gas metre will continue operating safely and accurately for years to come. Contact Rockdale Plumbing if you have any other queries.
While gas metre upgrades are completed by qualified technicians, issues occasionally arise after installation. Some common problems include:
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate the property immediately and call 000. Do not turn any appliances or lights on or off, as a spark could ignite leaking gas. Once safely outside, also notify your gas provider to request urgent assistance.
Problems reigniting appliance pilot lights, irregular flames, or error codes may indicate a remaining airlock or connection issue. Do not retry repeatedly yourself as this risks further damage. Contact our team on 1300 349 338 for swift support relighting appliances.
If usage figures seem unusually high or low, inform your gas provider promptly. They can assess for metre or recording faults and restore accurate billing.
For any problems after your gas upgrade, never attempt DIY repairs as this poses extreme safety hazards. Our licenced Rockdale plumbers are available 24/7 for urgent support via 1300 349 338. We can troubleshoot issues, make safe repairs, and liaise with Atco Gas if needed on your behalf.
Pipes ranging from 40mm to 225mm in diameter can typically be relined, which is much less expensive than full replacement. Smaller pipes may not have enough room for relining equipment. Learn the minimum pipe size requirements for relining or call Rockdale Plumbing on $PHONE for personalised advice.
Read MoreOld gas appliances like stoves, heaters and hot water systems can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. We explain the safe options for recycling old gas appliances and can even arrange fast, affordable pickup and transportation to a certified recycling facility.
Read MoreUpgrading your gas meter ensures greater efficiency and safety. Our qualified technicians make the process hassle-free, taking care of all aspects from start to finish. Contact us today to upgrade your gas meter and take advantage
Read MoreRockdale, 2216 NSW
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