Setting up a brand-new gas connection to your home or business premises can often seem like hard work – especially if you are not familiar with the process. Whether you are arranging a connection to an existing property, new home or commercial property there are regulations to follow and if you get off on the wrong foot, you could end up in a nightmare situation that could have been avoided.
How?
By getting in touch with us here at Utility Smart! We specialise in establishing new gas connections and ensure that all legislation has been adhered to.
So, what can we do to help you?
Provide A Free, No Obligation Quote
When it comes to utility connections, just getting a quote can be a difficult process. However, from the first moment you contact Utility Smart, you will be guided through the process by one of our expert consultants. The information we request from our customers is also kept to a minimum without compromising the accuracy of our quotes. Most importantly, all of our quotes are provided free of charge and with no obligation.
Obtain Permits and Reduce Lead Times
When dealing with utility installations, there are rules and regulations in place to ensure that the work being carried out is being undertaken by professionals in a safe manner. This is why we only use GIRS and OFGEM approved engineers.
In addition to this, new gas connections will usually require various permits and permissions from the local council and gas network. Applying for these permits and permissions can be a long process, with various parties all working to their own rigid standard lead times. Ensuring that you have the right permits and permissions in place is essential, and these must be obtained before work can begin.
This is why, at Utility Smart, we handle all of the required applications as part of the quote provided. We are able to utilise our contacts at the networks and local councils to make a stressful process simple.
Industry standard lead times for gas works are usually between 4 and 12 weeks from acceptance to completion. But here at Utility Smart, we have an excellent record of getting works done towards the bottom end of the standard lead times.
Arrange A Site Survey
While waiting for all of the permits and permissions to be granted, it is advisable to arrange a site survey with a network approved surveyor to check that the proposed design is suitable and that the connection meets regulations.
The site survey is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions that you might have about excavation, the route of the pipework, ducting or anything technical. At Utility Smart, a site survey comes as standard within all of our quotes.
Excavation & Reinstatement
In order to get your property connected to the gas mains, excavation will usually be required. This means that you need somebody suitably authorised to carry out an excavation. In many instances, the nearest gas main is located in the middle of the road. In these cases it is also important that the correct traffic management is organised to keep everybody safe.
Engineers also need to put the excavated ground back way they found it after work has been completed. This could involve laying tarmac, block paving, flags, grass or a combination of surfaces. It is important that you choose a company that is able to offer all of these options and leave the site in a good condition.
Here at Utility Smart we can take care of all excavation and reinstatement works and make sure that the correct traffic management is organised. Alternatively, we can just take care of the works on public land and you can make a saving by organising the excavation and reinstatement on private land yourself.
Install New Gas Pipes
Once all of your trenches are in place, it is time to actually make a connection to the gas mains and lay the new gas pipe to your property. These works can only be carried out by specially qualified GIRS registered engineers. Gas pipes can be laid directly into an open trench or gas ducting can be laid into the trench so that a connection can be made at a later date.
Here at Utility Smart, we only use GIRS registered engineers to carry out your works, so you can rest assured that the service you experience will be first class.
Installation of the Gas Meter and Housing
Once the new gas pipe has been installed, it’s time to fit the meter housing. The housing is there to protect your gas meter from any bangs or scrapes. Your Gas Smart consultant will be able to advise you as to which meter housing is best for you.
Next, your gas meter will need to be installed by an OFGEM registered engineer. This is to ensure that it is installed correctly and that all the relevant precautions have been taken to keep the home safe from any gas leaks. Your meter connection will usually be booked in for the day after the pipework is completed, so there will be no delay.
Supplier Setup
Once the physical apparatus is installed, it is usually time to contact a gas supplier to arrange a gas supply contract. This can often turn into a long process but not when you use Utility Smart!
We’ll deal with all of the technical stuff for you, coordinate with the supplier so that they are aware of your new gas connection and ensure that a supply contract will be put in place even before your gas meter is installed. Let us take the stress out of setting up a gas supply for your home or business premises!
For more information about Gas Smart, take a look at the services we offer or get in touch with us today.
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