Hi all, I am a new member, although I have been following LJN for a while. It is only now that I have a problem that I have joined, with the hope that I can receive some sound advise from the group.
I recently put up a fence in a customers garden, taking down a metal gate in the process. The customer indicated that there had been a gas leak when the gate was first put in, seven years ago. So taking the appropriate action, hand digging, noting the service entry to the property and obtaining a service map of the area, we thought we would be ok.
Unfortunately we were not, as we split the pipe that was encased in concrete. What upset me was that the pipe was only 292mm from the ground level and no warning markings of any kind were visible.
When I received the invoice, I wrote to Gas Networks explaining that I had taken all recommended actions to prevent the pipe from bursting and that I felt the pipe should have been re-dug after the first burst seven years ago as it would have indicated to them that it was not at the recommended depth of 450mm.
I also admitted joint liability, indicating that I would be prepared to pay half of the invoice. But this has fallen on deaf ears and they insist that I pay the full amount.
I can use my insurance, although the amount we are talking about is not a great deal, £350. But I believe I have a genuine case here. What do others think.
John S
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Replies
the code of practice for gas service to domestic properties is 375mm-450mm,hope you took pix with a tape measure shound depth, you need to stand your ground, the pipe should not have been in concrete,i havew won the day 4 or five times now on gas claims by sticking to my side of problem,if it comes to it offer half at 10£ a month
It is a pain, we had a leak on a service we were working next to a few weeks back.
The pipe had been repaired previously and started to leak as we dug just a bit up from the old repair.
I am awaiting to see if we are billed for the repair as it was there joint that failed rather than us hitting it.
This pipe was only 150mm down from the surface, like you a poor repair last time has caused more remedial work for a second time.
Maybe they should insure there work for future problems that arise for not fixing it properly in the first place.
Will update if nd when the bill arrives.
Welcome to LJN John.
Sorry to hear about your problem.
I'm sure you've learnt a lesson here but if I had been told 'there had been a gas leak when the gate was first put in, seven years ago.' in advance of doing this job, then I'd have either walked away from the job or gone away and written a disclaimer stating that, in light of the revelation, you cannot take responsibility for any damage (however caused) to any gas services.
It sounds like you've been sensible and nit tried to shy away from your responsibility, it's a shame that the other parties aren't approaching with the same. Having said that, I guess someone has to pay for the work.
Let us know how this turns out.
Good luck:)
Thanks all.
In hind site, I should have had a disclaimer. But I feel gas networks are partly to blame for not ensuring the pipe was at an acceptable depth after the last break.
I will write to them again and see what the outcome is. I wont hold my breath though.
John S
I come across above ground gas pipes being run through hedges. No protection! No warning!