Do I have to let the gas company in?

Question

I received a letter today from the gas company.
The gas company want to replace the pipework to my house. No problem with that.

However it seems they also want to inspect the fittings inside the house and as my cooker is old they will be sure to 'FIND' some fault and force me to get a new one 'NOW'

I have never invited them in for a 'Free' safety check for this reason

I can see that in the future homeowners will be required to have a 'check' every year as is a legal requirement if they were a landlord.

Old people are at a real risk of being forced to buy new appliances at short notice.

What can I do, I will let them in to replace the pipe to the meter but do I have to let them 'inspect' the cooker

Before anyone questions 'safety' I live alone the only life at risk is my own

Answer 1

Typically the gas companies responsibility ends at the meter. Unfortunatly they do need to access the meter to complete the repiping as you describe the project. The downside of this is that after doing the meter they are required to pressure test the system and if it fails they will cut service until it is repaired.
This does not typically involve checking of specific appliances unless you specifically request (and are billed for the service).

Answer 2

The age of the cooker shouldn't be an issue. What they are looking for is a shut off valve where each appliance is hooked to the gas supply. You're covered by a grandfather clause in any code changes. A new owner might be required to upgrade before the gas company will allow for service. As to safety, How close are your neighbors? You aren't the only one at risk if your house explodes.

Answer 3

You do have to let them in otherwise they can get a court order to gain access. I do not think they are interested in the cooker as long as it is gas tight. If they do tell you that the cooker has to be replaced, ask them why. If there is no gas leakage I would not listen to them, but they are interested to check the fittings on the gas meter. They will do a gas test when the job is completed. There is no reason to change a gas cooker as long as it is working properly and no gas leaks.

Answer 4

In the US- no, you don't, inside plumbing is your responsibility and if you blow up it's your business. Not sure if rules are diff in UK- and am guessing you are UK because Americans don't say "cooker".
Inspecting fittings is a good way to prevent leaks and deaths.
Perhaps there is a program that helps old people to get safer appliances.
Remember- if your house blows up it will likely take out the neighbors' houses as well, so no, you are not the only one at risk. And maintaining appliances/plumbing and replacing defective units is your responsibility.

Answer 5

I think you are obliged to let them check your appliances, all gas fixtures ie cooker boiler etc are required to be checked at least every 12 months it doesnt matter if your a tenant or a homeowner, and its not just you at risk if your home blows up its likely to effect your neighbours, and what about your immediate family wether you live alone or not im sure they would care if you got blown to smithereens because you couldnt be arsed to get your appliances checked!!

Answer 6

There are, of course, two sides to the issue. The utility company has no legal right to enter your premises, just as law enforcement has no legal right to walk in uninvited. They do have a legal mandate to maintain their plant, but that ends at the meter.

As someone who has been an emergency responder for 27+ years (fire), let me address the other side of the issue. You assume that there is a defect in your "cooker", but you don't really know. My guess is that there is at least no gas leaking, as you have not gone "boom" yet. Your lack of concern for your own safety is none of my (or anyone else's) business, but I fear for the safety of others around you. Your attitude, while common, seems foolish to me.

Answer 7

I can see your point of view. However, it's worth looking at it from another angle. If you don't maintain and check your gas appliances, you are at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. Ok so you suggest you're ok putting your own safety at risk. How do you think the poor beggar who'd have to find your body would feel?

Additionally, if one of your gas appliances exploded, there's every possibility that your own safety won't be the only person's at risk.

Answer 8

Well you have answered your own question but if your pipes need to be changed for safety reasons you are the only one who can make that decision. Would you like to live longer or to die from gas it is your choice. God Bless and have a nice day.

Answer 9

only if there is a law saying so

i would be careful too that this is legit and not a scam---there are many people scamming the single and older out there

i would try the internet or local town hall to see if you can get info. on if they have the right to enter your house and tell you what gas appliances need to be replaced

Answer 10

The gas company have the right to lawful entry, your gas supply could be an accident waiting to happen.
And contrary to your belief that only you are at risk, have you seen some of the explosions caused by gas leaks?.