Where Is A Gas Meter Located?

Ensuring you know where your gas meter is located can be helpful in an emergency, such as if you've experienced a gas leak or are concerned about a gas appliance in your home. While you can leave handling repairs to the experts, being able to promptly shut off your gas yourself is valuable knowledge to have. We cover everything you need to know about finding your gas meter below:

The location of your gas meter is typically next to your property if you live in a house. You may have to look to the left or right of your house to find your meter, but typically it will be a singular meter close to your home. A typical gas meter looks like a small box with two lines, plus a handle for a gas meter valve to turn your gas on and off.

If you live in an apartment, your gas meter will typically be found in a central area with other meters for other apartments. Gas meters all have a number matching the number on your gas bill. Some apartments may also label the meters. In NSW, your meter may be located under the sink in your apartment. If you're unsure of the location, you can ask your landlord for help sourcing the right meter.

Gas distributors are responsible for maintaining gas meters and distributing gas through their network using mains and pipes. While gas retailers take meter readings and charge you, they aren't the people responsible for the gas lines themselves. Everything from the meter into your house or apartment is the homeowner's or landlord's responsibility. All gas appliances and associated fittings are included in that responsibility. 

Gas meters are functional equipment that serve several functions, including:

• Providing a reading of your gas usage to energy retailers
• Offering information about pressure and status to engineers
• Giving easy access to a shut-off valve to cut off gas to your property
• Connecting with smart meters to directly provide information to retailers

If you or a technician has turned the gas off for your property, you should ensure that it's safe to turn the gas back on. If you've checked this, all you need to do is turn the valve in line with the pipe underneath. 

If you need to turn gas off at the meter, you follow the opposite process. If your valve is turned towards the pipe, turn it away to close the flow. This practice ensures no additional gas is going into your property, allowing for safe installation or repairs.

The type of gas meter you have affects the process of getting a reading. Here's how to read some of the most common gas meter options:

• Check that the meter number above the black digit bar matches your gas bill
• Write down the complete set of digits across the eight rolling numbers
• Submit your meter reading with your final figure
• Check the bill you receive against the meter reading you provided

• Check the meter number against your gas bill, usually by the barcode
• Locate the four dials and digits and read from left to right
• If between two dials, record the lower number
• Submit your meter reading with your final figure
• Check the bill you receive against the meter reading you provided

If you have plans to install a new gas appliance or need urgent repairs, Cape Byron Plumbing can help. As specialised gas fitters in Byron Bay, we're here to provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services when you need us. Call (02) 6680 9997 to get a free quote for our services or call us out for an emergency repair.