Removing Gas Monitor Covers: A Step-By-Step Guide

Gas meter boxes are essential for protecting energy meters from the elements and ensuring they last their full lifespan without becoming faulty. While minor repairs can often be sufficient to maintain a gas meter box, sometimes a full replacement is necessary. This may be due to extensive damage, such as warping, rusting, or cracking, or because the box is too old or unusual to find replacement parts. Replacing a gas meter box is a straightforward process that typically takes less than an hour to complete. It involves opening the old meter box, removing it by taking out the widgets that hold it in place, positioning the new meter box over the backplate, and securing it with widgets or by drilling it into the brickwork.

Open the old meter box

To open the old meter box, you will first need to locate the key to the box. If you have lost the key, some new meter boxes may include a universal key that will still fit the old box. Alternatively, you can refer to a guide on how to open a meter box without a key.

Most meter boxes have their fittings installed inside the box to protect them. Once you have opened the box, you should see the widgets that are holding the box in place. There are usually two widgets at the top on either side and one in the middle at the bottom. Remove these widgets, and then you can simply lift the old box off the wall, leaving the backplate exposed.

If your box is a surface-mounted box, the process is incredibly quick and straightforward. However, if you have an inset meter box, it is set into the external wall, making it impossible to remove without taking the meter out. Unfortunately, this can only be done by a gas engineer.

Remove the old meter box

Removing an old meter box is a simple process, but it is important to be mindful and careful during the removal. Firstly, identify the type of meter box you have. The most common type is a surface-mounted box, but you may have a recessed or semi-concealed meter box. This is important because the steps to remove the box will differ depending on the type of box.

If you have a surface-mounted box, open the meter box. These boxes usually have their fittings installed inside to protect them. If you have lost the key, some new boxes may include a universal key that will still fit the old box. Otherwise, you can refer to guides on how to open a meter box without a key.

Once the box is open, you will need to remove the widgets holding the box in place. Typically, there are three widgets, with two at the top on either side and one in the middle at the bottom. With the widgets removed, carefully lift the old box off the wall, leaving the backplate exposed.

If you have an inset meter box, the process is different. Inset meter boxes are set into the external wall, making it impossible to remove them without taking the meter out. This will require the help of a qualified gas engineer. Instead of removing the box, you can consider buying an overbox, which fits neatly over the existing box to offer protection and a new look without the stress of removing the old one.

For semi-concealed gas meter boxes, you can use an R24 unit from Ritherdon. This slides over the semi-concealed gas meter box to strengthen and tidy it up. If the box is severely damaged, an optional pipe support plate is included in the fixings pack, but this may require a qualified plumber to disconnect the pipe temporarily.

Position the new meter box

Positioning your new meter box is a simple process, but it's important to get it right. Firstly, you need to identify the type of meter box you have. This could be a Recessed Gas Meter Box, a Surface-Mounted Gas Meter Box, or a Semi-Concealed Gas Meter Box. Each type has different requirements for positioning.

For a Recessed Gas Meter Box, you need to install it within a cavity wall or a pillar enclosure. This type of box is built into the wall and doesn't protrude, so it's important to ensure it's installed in a wall with a suitable cavity or hole.

A Surface-Mounted Gas Meter Box, on the other hand, is installed on an outside property or boundary wall. This type of box protrudes quite a bit (approximately 250mm), so you need to be certain that it won't cause any obstructions or be placed where it could be easily damaged.

The Semi-Concealed Gas Meter Box is installed against an outer wall while also being partially concealed in the ground. This type of box must be installed in an area where it won't cause obstructions like tripping hazards or vehicular damage.

Now that you know the type of meter box you have and the specific requirements for its positioning, you can choose the best location for it. The box should be placed at the front wall of the building, on either side of the front door, or on either side of a sealed window. It should also be easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Additionally, you should avoid installing the meter box in certain areas. Don't place it where it could cause obstructions or be easily damaged. Don't install it directly above manholes, drains, electricity meters, or air bricks, or directly under electricity meters, appliance flues, or windows that open. Avoid placing it at the very back of a house or locked behind a gate, and ensure that access to the meter box is not restricted in case of an emergency.

Once you've identified the type of meter box and selected an appropriate location, you can proceed with the installation process, following the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant safety guidelines.

Fix the box to the backplate

Now that you have removed your old meter box, you are ready to fix the new box to the backplate. You should have three widgets that came with your new box. These are used to fix the box to the backplate, using the existing holes. Simply push the widgets into place through the holes in the backplate. This will hold your new gas meter box in position for years to come.

If you are using a metal hook-over gas overbox, you will need to fix it to the wall instead of the backplate. The fittings are included with your box and fit at two points under the bottom of the new box. To do this, first, drill into the brickwork. Then, insert the plugs into the holes and screw your new box into place. This will protect your brickwork and your box, ensuring that your new meter box is secure enough to last for decades.

If you have an inset meter box, it is set into the external wall, making it impossible to remove without the help of a gas engineer. In this case, it is much cheaper and easier to buy an overbox instead. These fit neatly over the existing box, offering the same protection and smart look of a new box, without the stress of removing the old one.

Fix the box to the wall

Now that you have removed the gas monitor cover, you can fix the box to the wall. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, plan the job carefully. Running cables through walls with drywall or plaster can be challenging, so it is important to be prepared. For this task, you will need a remodel electrical box, also known as a cut-in or old-work box, which clamps to the drywall or plaster. Ensure you select a box that meets local codes.

Before cutting a hole in your wall, use a stud finder to make sure there are no joists or studs in the way. Then, hold the box up to the wall where you want it to be installed. Use a torpedo level to ensure it is straight, and trace around the box with a pencil to mark the area to be cut.

Next, use a utility knife to cut along the pencil outline of the box, cutting through the drywall paper. Then, use a drywall saw to carefully cut out the hole. Go slowly to avoid accidentally cutting any wires behind the wall. Once you have made the hole, test whether the box fits snugly inside.

Now, run the cable through the hole, stripping 8 to 12 inches of sheathing and feeding the cable into the box. The box should have clamping methods, and 1/2 inch of sheathing should show inside the box. Pull on the cable to ensure it is clamped tightly.

Push the box into the hole. If it fits tightly, do not force it, as you may damage the drywall. If the box is too big for the hole, use a utility knife to carefully enlarge the hole.

Finally, tighten the screw on the box until you feel resistance and it is firmly attached to the wall. This type of box typically has wings that extend outward and grasp the back of the drywall as the screw is tightened.

Frequently asked questions