Thread: Added gas pipe

Okay, so they added a new gas pipe to the new water heater. So what's the big deal?
The house was remodeled and a bathroom was added so they needed an extra water heater. Problems? You betcha. This was done in 2005. I cant wait to find out what PGE says when this comes to light.

Originally Posted by Chris Weekly

Okay, so they added a new gas pipe to the new water heater. So what's the big deal?
The house was remodeled and a bathroom was added so they needed an extra water heater. Problems? You betcha. This was done in 2005. I cant wait to find out what PGE says when this comes to light.

The Meter hasn't been read scene 2005?




*now that's gonna be a Gas Bill!

The gas meter is up a driveway . We have 'smart' meters here and likely there have been no utility workers or meter readers up the driveway to see it close up. This installation of course should have been permitted back in 2005 when this was installed. The owners weren't present and we had no background information. Their agent was at the inspection and will relay the findings. It won't be a pleasant day for the owners when they have to explain to the gas company.

Originally Posted by Chris Weekly

The gas meter is up a driveway . We have 'smart' meters here and likely there have been no utility workers or meter readers up the driveway to see it close up. This installation of course should have been permitted back in 2005 when this was installed. The owners weren't present and we had no background information. Their agent was at the inspection and will relay the findings. It won't be a pleasant day for the owners when they have to explain to the gas company.

Got it.

Yep, that's the one....
The owners may not look too smart when they are challenged to come up with the permit for this gas pipe addition....and/Or...their plumber who also is looking less than 'smart'.
9 years of un-metered gas service, and penalties and fines, and....that amounts to...$$$$

Originally Posted by Chris Weekly

Yep, that's the one....
The owners may not look too smart when they are challenged to come up with the permit for this gas pipe addition....and/Or...their plumber who also is looking less than 'smart'.
9 years of un-metered gas service, and penalties and fines, and....that amounts to...$$$$

The buyer would be better off doing the right thing and having a plumber get a permit and install the gas line to connect before the meter and test it and call for inspection by the City.
Prior to any permit or work being done, the buyer should get a copy of the receipt for work done by the plumber and contact him to see if he wants to pay for however much gas was used over that period and to contact the Utility and state that the installation was in error and that he wants to correct the installation by getting the proper
permit. The utility should be able to estimate the gas used and charge a fee for this installation. Hopefully they will not charge a fine for not getting the permit... will that happen, I don't know. The owner benefitted from free gas but due to negligence by Plumber...

Originally Posted by Loren Sanders Sr.

The owner benefitted from free gas but due to negligence by Plumber...

So Loren,

Ya think "The Plumber" is going to admitt to taping the non paying side of the Gas Meter?

This is a criminal offense. Better play it straight. Owners could go to jail but probably will be required to pay for computed consumption plus penalty. The municipality would probably want to track down who piped it.

Not likely any District Atty would even go after someone for taping onto a gas pipe. PGE might go after them for unpaid usage, but jail time?? I really doubt it would be worth their effort.

Originally Posted by Bob Harper

This is a criminal offense. Better play it straight. Owners could go to jail but probably will be required to pay for computed consumption plus penalty. The municipality would probably want to track down who piped it.

Theft of service - Ca PC 484(a)

If a new plumber dismantled the existing, left the water heater line stubbed then applied for a permit to connect after the meter, likely the gas co. would be none the wiser unless they sent an inspector out. Even then if the meter line was intact - even painted over it would probably go un-noticed. Doesn't make it legal though.

The owner may not even have any idea that it is on the wrong side of the meter. Most wouldn't even think about it. They probably just think that the new water heater is really efficient.