News

Household Gas Supplies Are Under Pressure

Published: 13-10-2018

• Flow diameters are being reduced as polythene pipes are routed through existing steel pipework.
• Distributor checks are not always sufficient to ensure the correct pressure and volume is available to households.
• Distributors should put the boiler into full service mode once pipe upgrades are complete.

Some gas distributors are not always carrying out adequate gas supply checks to properties impacted by pipeline changes, according to Martyn Bridges, our Director of Technical Communication and Product Management.

Martyn argues: “With polythene pipes regularly being routed through existing steel pipework to upgrade the gas distribution network, flow diameters are being reduced. Some gas distributors are not always carrying out adequate gas supply checks to properties impacted by these pipeline changes.”

Martyn continues: “The distributors could be doing more to check the affected household’s gas supply. They could begin by putting the boiler into full service mode, as doing this ensures that it is firing at full rate. Only then will the gas pressure indicate that the volume of gas entering the property is insufficient.”

“Those distributors who do not know how to turn the boiler on to full service mode, should take the rudimentary step of turning the hot water thermostat up to its highest setting and then open up two to three hot water taps. If there is a gas cooker or fire, turn those on as well, the incoming gas pressure at the meter test point can then be checked”, Martyn says.

Martyn concludes: “Whether they opt for the rudimentary step or the more thorough and reliable full-service mode route, distributors need to be checking household supplies before they leave the job.”

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