I got a notice that the gas riser will be replaced by the gas company (they were from a lot of potentially defective parts). There is no known leak.

The gas company says they will do the work and leave a notice to call to have the "gas service restored" and "re light appliances".

I called them, they have no idea which day or time this work will get done (except the work will be done starting within the next week and they work 7 AM to 9 PM , M-F). So, I might get home at 10 pm on Friday night with no hot water.

The notice says they have to get inside my home to restore the service and relight appliances. The meter is outside and is one of 4 that come off one gas line.


What exactly do they need to do to restore the service? Is there any way to relight the appliances myself?

The home (condo - patio home - 4 plex) is less than 10 yrs old. All the gas appliances are working fine (heater, water heater and fireplace). I don't get why they need to come inside my home, since the gas line they are replacing the riser on also feeds my neighbors meters/homes.

If someone will explain this I will appreciate it. The gas company service dept has no info and the phone # on the notice goes to a voicemail only.


I hate having strangers inside my home.

Do you really want to chance it not having this work done? So you're out of hot water for one day. The hot water left in your tank even if gas shut off should last you through a shower. It's best to have the gas company come in and relight all appliances so they can do a pressure test to make sure everything is fine and dandy. Do you have pressure testing equipment handy to do this on your own? Sure you can relight the heater yourself but you need to remember the gas company is just covering their behind in case of leaks and possible explosion inside your condo. If you can't be there, have a trusted friend or relative let them in and relight the stuff. You have only to gain from this and nothing to lose unless you have something you're hiding and don't want anyone to find it.

When gas service has been interrupted and the pipes open relighting is not always as easy as you may recall. Air gets into the pipes while they are being installed. You may need to bleed out the air before you can light the pilot, if you even have one. "why they need to come inside my home, since the gas line they are replacing the riser on also feeds my neighbors meters/homes.
" the meter may be outside but they shut off service to replace the pipes so all pilots go dead. Someione inside must take care of this. Taking your safety into consideration, since you ask if you can relight, it is best to let them do it or hire a handyman or plumber are great expense.