Some of the older, metal pipes have been in the ground for decades and have reached the end of their useful life. Our replacement works are long term investments and we’ll give you plenty of notice before we start digging. Unfortunately, not all our work can be planned weeks in advance.
We sometimes need to carry out emergency repairs to tackle leaks and other problems which could affect supplies if we don’t take action. In these circumstances, we’re authorised to carry out repair work at very short notice. We will, of course, still do everything we can to avoid disrupting your day and keep you informed at all times. If we’re due to replace or repair the gas mains on your street, just download one of the leaflets below.
What to expect when we replace gas pipes in your street
Watch our helpful video
Explore our infographic
Click on the numbered tabs and blue arrows below to learn more about what’s involved at every stage of our work.
Before we start
Keeping you safe
During the work
Finishing the job
Information letter
You'll receive a letter to explain where we're working and how the work will affect you.
Site visit
We may visit the site before we start work and talk to you about what's involved.
Site preparation
Before work starts we'll drop off equipment on site including cones and barriers.
Turning off your gas
If we have to access your property and turn off your gas supply at the meter we'll let you know at least 48hrs in advance.
On your doorstep
Our engineers carry ID cards so that you can identify them easily when they knock on the door.
Replacing your service pipe
We may need to replace the small pipe that connects your home to the gas main. This may involve us digging in your garden or driveway, and we may need to access to your property.
Additional support
Our teams are on hand to provide additional support. This includes alternative cooking and heating facilities for those who need it including electrical heaters and hotplates while you are without gas.
Digging in your street
We will need to dig in the road or footpath so that we can remove the old metal pipes.
Upgrading the pipes below your feet
We will replace the old metal pipes with plastic versions that will last for decades to come and will be able to transport alternative greener fuels such as hydrogen in the future.
Reconnecting you to the mains
Once all of the gas pipes in your street have been replaced we'll have to turn off your gas for a second time to connect the new plastic pipes to the mains. We'll make sure that you know in advance that we're turning it off.
Gas safety check
Once work is complete one of our engineers will need to access your home to check your appliances before safely turning your gas back on.
Check gas pressure
One of our engineers will need to access your home and turn your gas supply back on and check that it's flowing at the correct pressure.
Tidy up
Once our work is complete we'll do our best to put things back to normal by filling in holes, relaying paving, turf and tarmac and give you a 2 year reinstatement guarantee for your peace of mind. We'll also clear away any mud or mess.
How did we do?
Once we've finished you'll receive a survey to find out how the work went. All feedback helps us to improve your experience, so do let us know how we did.
