Most people never think about the gas pipe in their home until something changes. A new boiler, a bigger kitchen or an extension can all mean the existing pipe is no longer up to the job. Here is when to check, and what is involved.
Why pipe size matters
Every gas appliance needs a certain amount of gas to run at full power. The pipe has to carry enough for everything that could be on at once. If it is too narrow, appliances can be starved of gas, especially when several are running together.
Situations when it needs checking
- A new boiler with a higher output than the old one.
- Adding appliances, such as a gas hob, a gas fire or a second boiler.
- An extension or conversion that adds rooms or moves the kitchen or boiler.
- A change of meter position.
- Old pipework that has been altered many times, or which is corroded or poorly supported.
Signs there may be a problem
- A boiler that cuts out or struggles when the hob or other appliances are on
- Hob flames that drop when something else lights
- Appliances that run weakly at peak times
- Visible rust, damage or poor support on pipework
These can have other causes, so do not guess. A Gas Safe registered engineer can test the supply and find the real cause.
What an engineer will do
The engineer will check the pipe size against the total demand of your appliances, carry out a tightness test to make sure there are no leaks, check the meter and regulator and the bonding, and look at the condition of the pipework. If the supply is not adequate, they will recommend a larger pipe or a revised route.
Who is responsible for what
Gas up to the meter is the responsibility of the gas network. Pipework after the meter belongs to the property owner, and it is the owner who needs to keep it safe. If you have any worries about the supply to the meter, the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 is the first call.
Only a registered engineer should do it
Altering gas pipework is gas work, so it has to be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is dangerous and illegal otherwise. The work should be tested and the engineer should give you the paperwork. For more on this, see why you cannot fit your own boiler.
What this might involve
Upgrading a pipe can mean lifting floorboards, routing along new paths and making good afterwards. We plan the route with you and keep the disruption down. If it is part of a new boiler installation, we include it in the quote so there are no surprises.
We install and upgrade gas pipework as part of our gas services. Ask for an assessment if you are adding appliances or planning building work.
