09-17-2009, 05:24 PM
Robert, The leak is detectable by means of a gas sniffer, but the soapy water test didn't reveal any bubbles. Where the riser goes into the ground from the meter, it's fairly corroded. There had been a water leak there some years ago. If it was an obvious leak at the elbow, I'd really consider doing it myself, although I'd still have to get a city permit and inspection. It's a very small leak, and is apparently a couple of feet in from the riser, and definitely on my side of the line. The idea of replacing the entire line is that if it's 50 years old and rusty at the meter, it's going to be the same along the whole length.
The distance to my house is about 50 feet. The advantages of moving the meter are: if the line fails, it's the gas company's problem, not mine. And the meter will be safe from being wiped out by an errant garbage truck or someone speeding through the alley (happens sometimes). Of course the new line is unlikely to fail in my lifetime, but it's a minor selling point to anybody who buys my house. They read the meter electronically so they don't need access to my yard.
Cbelt, no gas line insurance. Never had it.
The distance to my house is about 50 feet. The advantages of moving the meter are: if the line fails, it's the gas company's problem, not mine. And the meter will be safe from being wiped out by an errant garbage truck or someone speeding through the alley (happens sometimes). Of course the new line is unlikely to fail in my lifetime, but it's a minor selling point to anybody who buys my house. They read the meter electronically so they don't need access to my yard.
Cbelt, no gas line insurance. Never had it.