The gas meter box takes quite a lot of punishment so is susceptible to damage over time. This blog will outline the main areas to check on your gas meter box for signs of damage.
Cracks or Shattered Casing
Plastic meter boxes can become brittle over time. Walls that receive direct sunlight are particularly at risk of cracking or splitting. Even hairline cracks allow water entry, potentially leading to damage to the meter and associated pipework within the box.
Door That Won’t Close Properly
A sagging or that won’t shut securely could indicate the box has become misshapen, or the hinges have failed. This will expose the meter to interference from, and damage from, rain and frost.
Rust or Corroded Fixings
Check the screws, hinges and any metal brackets which secure the box to the wall for signs of rust or corrosion. Surface rust may be easy to clean, but deeper rust will require more work and it’s possible that some of the fixings may have come loose. A loose gas meter box can cause problems with the gas pipework behind it.
Water or Damp Inside
Open up the door to your gas meter box and look for signs of damp, water, stains or even leaks. Damp in a gas meter box can lead to incorrect readings on the meter. However, the most serious concern is that damp can cause corrosion to the internal connections of the gas meters and regulators. This type of corrosion can lead to serious safety concerns and should be addressed quickly in line with gas safety guidance for homeowners for maintaining gas infrastructure.
Discolouration and UV Brittleness
UV degradation is often shown by yellowing and chalky patches on the surface of a gas meter box. It is easy to mistake such a deterioration for minor damage, yet it can lead to a meter box case cracking under minimal pressure.
Damaged Wall Fixings or Masonry
Cracks in the wall surrounding the meter box, crumbing mortar and spalling brickwork mean that the wall fixings for the housing are no longer securely anchored. Gas Meter box is covered in more detail at Gas Meter box.
If more than one of these signs are detected it would be advisable to change the box as soon as possible.
