For years our gas meter has been in the easement with an underground pipe to the house that was replaced around 2000. A couple of times over the years the gas company approached us saying the line was not leaking but they offered a free meter re-location where they put the meter on the house and the home owner is no longer responsible for the underground line. I kept declining as we didn't really want the meter in the yard and didn't want the patio and plants dug up. I figured if it ever leaks then I'll let them do it.
Fast forward, today I'm in the easement spreading some excess dirt and I notice the house behind me has a brand new meter, and I think to myself, "I wonder how much longer till we have to give in and let them move ours" Not 2 hours later there is a gas company subcontractor in the easement with a sniffer. I go out to see what he's doing and he says he's getting readings and needs to check the yard and the house. Sure enough we have a decent leak in the yard right under a big mesquite tree that has been mysteriously sick for a couple years.
Still, I'm not worried, we can shower in the RV and cook on the BBQ, and the weather is perfect here. Besides, they'll move the meter to the house for free. Or will they?
Soon there is a whole crew here to set up a giant vacuum to pull the excess gas out of the ground which has been hooked up for a few hours now, and I spoke with the guy in charge who informs me that the funding ran out on the free relocation program and we will have to pay a licensed plumber to fix it.
Got a couple of calls in right now, meanwhile the giant vacuum is roaring like a jet outside.
Fast forward, today I'm in the easement spreading some excess dirt and I notice the house behind me has a brand new meter, and I think to myself, "I wonder how much longer till we have to give in and let them move ours" Not 2 hours later there is a gas company subcontractor in the easement with a sniffer. I go out to see what he's doing and he says he's getting readings and needs to check the yard and the house. Sure enough we have a decent leak in the yard right under a big mesquite tree that has been mysteriously sick for a couple years.
Still, I'm not worried, we can shower in the RV and cook on the BBQ, and the weather is perfect here. Besides, they'll move the meter to the house for free. Or will they?
Soon there is a whole crew here to set up a giant vacuum to pull the excess gas out of the ground which has been hooked up for a few hours now, and I spoke with the guy in charge who informs me that the funding ran out on the free relocation program and we will have to pay a licensed plumber to fix it.
Got a couple of calls in right now, meanwhile the giant vacuum is roaring like a jet outside.
