Precautions To Take Around Natural Gas Meters

Precautions Around Natural Gas Meters

• Do not scratch or damage the protective coating (paint) on the meter and piping. 
• Do not bury any portion of the meter or its shutoff valve under dirt or mulch. 
• The owner is responsible for the maintenance of any piping on the house side of the natural gas meter. 
• Do not hang things or anchor laundry lines or plant supports to the gas meter or piping. 
• Do not chain a pet, bicycle, gas grill or anything else to the gas meter or piping. 
• Maintain a safe clearance between your outdoor grill and the gas meter. 
• Maintain a two-foot clearance to allow access to the meter and meter shut-off valve. 
• Call Richmond Gas Works for help with meter protection if the meter is located in an area where a car could strike it.

Inclement Weather Precautions 

In the event of a flood: 

• Shut off the natural gas supply valve to the appliance. 
• If you are evacuating the premises, shut off your natural gas valve at the meter. Use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn so that it is crosswise (perpendicular) to the pipe. 
• If you turn off the gas at the meter, do not turn it back on yourself. Call Richmond Gas Works to restore the gas service.

In the event of snow and ice:

• Use a broom, not a shovel, to keep your gas meter and regulator free from snow and ice.
• For sidewall vented appliances such as direct vent furnaces, fireplaces or hot water heaters, do not allow the outside vent to be blocked by snow and ice. Blocked vents can cause carbon monoxide to back up into the building.