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Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 10:04 am
by Spooner
Hi! I have begun digging up my from garden to form a driveway, and came across my yellow gas pipe 2" below the surface. It is at the same level under the street paving too. I contacted the gas suppliers and they say:- (quote) "I can advise that it is possible to lay a drive over the gas pipe as long as a fine fill base is used"
Huh?
They also say it is a chargeable job to have the pipe lowered.
What do you experts say about this?
Thanks for any replies,
Shaun
Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 6:52 pm
by Tony McC
It might have changed since I stopped contracting but it used to be the case that the Gas Board would come out and lower any service pipe that was 'high' relative to the pavement construction, and they'd do it for nowt, because it's their responsibility until the pipe gets to your meter.
At only 2" below the surface, there has to be a serious puncture risk. I think they're pissing you about.
Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:18 pm
by Stuarty
I ripped up a shallow pipe with a mini digger about a year ago now, gas board came out and repaired it and he took some photos of it, and tried to hand me a bill, i told him i want a copy of the photos not a bill, he phoned his boss, and the bill was torn up. Ofcourse im not saying rip the thing up, as Tony says, their probably just pissing you about
Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:32 pm
by Spooner
Thanks for that Tony & Stuarty, that's what I think too. The trouble is I don't really know what do do next. I have already told Northern Gas Networks that the council's Highways inspector has serious issues with the pipe but their reply just backed up what they said previously...build over it or pay up! They now say that gas pipes laid on private property have no minimum depth requirements(!) so unless the Highways people kick up a fuss in a few weeks I'm stuffed!!
Anyway Tony, I bought your book, it's BRILLIANT - I have hardly put it down since it arrived yesterday!
All the best,
Shaun
Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 12:30 pm
by Tony McC
Thanks for buying the book. 
They are right in saying that there is no statutory minimum depth for services on private property, but they have a duty of care and a pipe that is so shallow is, in my opinion, a threat to safety.
They are pissing you about - so you piss them about. Ring up and tell them you are sure you can smell gas coming from the shallow pipe. They can't ignore that! If they come out, find nowt, and bigger off; call them again. And again. Eventually, they'll realise it's easier to lower the pipe and be shut of you than to keep answering call outs. After all, they can't prove you can't smell gas, can they?
Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2006 7:33 pm
by Spooner
Now that's a GREAT idea! I'll wait until the highways guys come and start digging, feed them all with bacon & egg sarnies, then say 'Do you smell gas?' (wink!), then get on the phone. Pure genius that Tony!
Cheers,
Shaun
Posted: Mon Jun 12, 2006 2:55 pm
by danensis
If you were to dig a trench alongside the pipe, then I've found fitters willing to drop the pipe in for a few beer tokens.
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:54 pm
by luke32
Spooner wrote:Hi! I have begun digging up my from garden to form a driveway, and came across my yellow gas pipe 2" below the surface. It is at the same level under the street paving too. I contacted the gas suppliers and they say:- (quote) "I can advise that it is possible to lay a drive over the gas pipe as long as a fine fill base is used"
Huh?
They also say it is a chargeable job to have the pipe lowered.
What do you experts say about this?
Thanks for any replies,
Shaun
use a squeeze off cut the pipe lower it and use two gas compression fittings to rejoin back fill.
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2006 5:38 pm
by Spooner
luke32 wrote:
I don't want to fiddle about with the gas pipe Luke 32! I have just paid the highways people by cheque for the dropped pavement, so it shouldn't be long before they make a start. I'll keep you all informed about what happens with the pipe....!
Cheers,
Shaun
Posted: Wed Jun 21, 2006 9:52 pm
by Spooner
Well guys, the highways team 'dropped' the kerb yesterday. It looks great - solid as a rock! The devious gas pipe dropped sharply to a good depth as it went under the footpath, so there was no problems there. I'm just wondering though, can I encase or cover the pipe in concrete, haunched at both sides over the pipe, to make a concrete 'bridge'? This way I can lay a buff clay block soldier course to finish of the edge. At it's thinnest point it will only cover the pipe by about 3 inches. Is that bad? Would it hold my 1.5+ tonne car?
Thanks again,
Shaun
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:04 am
by Tony McC
Yes, you should be OK. Make sure it's a decent bit of concrete, and that you allow it to 'spread' at least 300mm clear of the pipe and the edge course.
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:20 am
by Spooner
Thanks very much Tony - I'll concrete it ASAP!
Shaun