Gas Meter Location in Houses

Exterior Placement

In most modern houses, gas meters are placed outside for easy access and maintenance. The ideal location is typically near the gable end of the house or in an area protected from falling snow and ice. This placement ensures that the meter is readily accessible to utility personnel for meter readings and maintenance, while also minimizing the risk of damage from harsh weather conditions.

Responsibility for Gas Meter Maintenance

It is important to note that the responsibility for gas meter maintenance is divided between the homeowner/customer and the gas utility company. The homeowner/customer is responsible for everything downstream of the gas meter, including the gas piping and appliances. On the other hand, the gas utility company is responsible for everything upstream of the meter, including the service line and the meter itself.

Emergency Shut-off Procedure

In the event of an emergency, such as a gas leak or post-natural disaster, it is crucial to know how to turn off the gas at the meter. This can be done using an adjustable wrench to turn the locknut shutoff valve a quarter turn until it is crosswise to the pipe. However, it is important to emphasize that once the gas is turned off, it should not be turned back on by the homeowner/customer. Instead, the gas utility company should be contacted to restore gas service. This is because the restoration of gas service requires specific safety steps and procedures that should only be performed by qualified personnel.

Different Types of Gas Meters

There are several types of gas meters used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The most common types include:

• Diaphragm/bellows meters: These are the most common type of gas meter, typically found in residential and small commercial installations. They work by using movable diaphragms to measure the volume of gas flowing through the meter.
• Rotary meters: Rotary meters are highly machined precision instruments capable of handling higher volumes and pressures than diaphragm meters. They utilize two figure “8” shaped lobes that rotate in precise alignment to measure gas volume.
• Turbine meters: Turbine meters infer gas volume by measuring the speed of the gas moving through the meter. They are not as common in residential settings but are often used in commercial and industrial applications.
• Orifice meters: Orifice meters measure gas flow by creating a pressure drop across a precisely known orifice plate. They are typically used in industrial settings where high flow rates are encountered.
• Ultrasonic flow meters: Ultrasonic flow meters use ultrasonic waves to measure the speed of gas movement. They are highly accurate but also more complex and expensive than other types of meters.
• Coriolis meters: Coriolis meters utilize the Coriolis effect to measure the mass flow rate of a gas. They are highly accurate and can handle a wide range of flow rates, making them suitable for various applications.

References

1. National Grid: Natural Gas Meter Placement
2. Jackson Energy Authority: Understanding Your Home’s Natural Gas Meter
3. Wikipedia: Gas meter

FAQs

Where are gas meters typically located in houses?

In most modern houses, gas meters are placed outside for easy access and maintenance. The ideal location is typically near the gable end of the house or in an area protected from falling snow and ice.

Who is responsible for maintaining the gas meter?

The homeowner/customer is responsible for everything downstream of the gas meter, including the gas piping and appliances. The gas utility company is responsible for everything upstream of the meter, including the service line and the meter itself.

What should I do in the event of a gas leak or other emergency?

In the event of an emergency, such as a gas leak or post-natural disaster, it is crucial to know how to turn off the gas at the meter. This can be done using an adjustable wrench to turn the locknut shutoff valve a quarter turn until it is crosswise to the pipe. However, once the gas is turned off, it should not be turned back on by the homeowner/customer. Instead, the gas utility company should be contacted to restore gas service.

What are the different types of gas meters used in houses?

The most common types of gas meters used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings include:

• Diaphragm/bellows meters
• Rotary meters
• Turbine meters
• Orifice meters
• Ultrasonic flow meters
• Coriolis meters

How can I read my gas meter?

Gas meters typically have a reading window with dials that display the gas consumption. The larger dials measure the actual gas usage, while the smaller dials are used for billing purposes. To read your gas meter, simply record the numbers displayed on the larger dials from left to right.

What should I do if my gas meter is damaged or malfunctioning?

If you suspect that your gas meter is damaged or malfunctioning, it is important to contact your gas utility company immediately. Do not attempt to repair or replace the meter yourself, as this could be dangerous.

How often should my gas meter be inspected?

Gas meters should be inspected regularly by a qualified technician to ensure that they are functioning properly and accurately measuring gas consumption. The frequency of inspections may vary depending on local regulations and the type of gas meter installed.