If you have a gas meter in your basement it won’t be down there much longer.
Most people probably noticed the UGI trucks on Second Street in Wilson over the last couple of weeks, as they were replacing their meters. They have now crossed Iron Street to continue the replacements along Second Street in West Easton.
I’ve been informed that my own is to be replaced on Monday.
Work will continue in West Easton through the coming weeks, with all residents who will have their meters replaced being previously informed by letter.
Personally, I’m not thrilled with a gas meter in the front of my home, but my concern about the appearance of it has been alleviated a bit after speaking with a UGI worker. The meters don’t have to be read visually, which means that a plant or other decorative item can be placed in front of the meter to hide the “industrial” appearance it gives to a home.
My understanding is that the meter is read electronically, as a vehicle from UGI passes the home.
Work by UGI won’t be completed with the installation of your new meter.
Once all the meters have been replaced, UGI will then be installing a new liner within the existing main line that runs along the streets (as I understood it).
In almost every case the sidewalks won’t be damaged when connecting new lines from the street to the meter, though a 2’x4′ trench is required from the home to the sidewalk, where the old gas line runs.
Homes that are completely surrounded by cement, from the foundation of the home out to the street, may require UGI cutting an access through the cement, but UGI will repair such openings. As the workers approach your home you can discuss options with them, should you be concerned about how they will proceed.
We can expect to be left with numerous patches along our roadways once all work is completed. Digging into the streets is required to reach the main gas line. Those holes will be covered with steel plates until refilled, blacktopped, and sealed once the work on the main lines is completed.
So, if you were planning on sprucing up the front of your home, or planting in the area where your gas line accesses your basement it may be prudent to delay that project.
You won’t want to see all that hard work dug up.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
