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What should I do if my gas meter box full of water and I can't read it?

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
January 4, 2020
37 replies
20232 views

Our gas meter box has flooded. I have removed as much water as I can but the condensation covering the dial make it impossible to read.

Best answer by SR3

Updated on 26/08/25 by Abby_OVO

Eeek! This doesn’t look too great. First things first, it’s worth making sure the reason for the meter box flood is sorted before we arrange a replacement meter. Your meter box should be water-tight so looks like this needs to be repaired first. Check out the advice below on getting this fixed:

Broken meter box

The meter box is normally installed by the transporter following either the installation of a new supply or alteration of an existing one. Once the work is completed the meter box is classified as being the responsibility of the property owner. We’d advise contacting your transporter. They can provide (at a cost) a service to maintain your meter box. We’d need to make sure the box’s fixed as most engineers will not install a meter in a meter box that’s missing a door, unsafe or in bad condition.

Faulty Meters

A meter which can’t be read - due to a broken meter screen or in your case, condensation covering the reading - would count as a faulty meter which we’d need to replace (this will be free!). As you haven’t already upgraded to smart meters this is the perfect time to make a smart upgrade. You can book a smart meter appointment through your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) or by reaching out to our Support Team.

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

S

SR3Solved

Updated on 26/08/25 by Abby_OVO

Eeek! This doesn’t look too great. First things first, it’s worth making sure the reason for the meter box flood is sorted before we arrange a replacement meter. Your meter box should be water-tight so looks like this needs to be repaired first. Check out the advice below on getting this fixed:

Broken meter box

The meter box is normally installed by the transporter following either the installation of a new supply or alteration of an existing one. Once the work is completed the meter box is classified as being the responsibility of the property owner. We’d advise contacting your transporter. They can provide (at a cost) a service to maintain your meter box. We’d need to make sure the box’s fixed as most engineers will not install a meter in a meter box that’s missing a door, unsafe or in bad condition.

Faulty Meters

A meter which can’t be read - due to a broken meter screen or in your case, condensation covering the reading - would count as a faulty meter which we’d need to replace (this will be free!). As you haven’t already upgraded to smart meters this is the perfect time to make a smart upgrade. You can book a smart meter appointment through your online account or OVO app (download for Android or iOS) or by reaching out to our Support Team.

OVO member but not got a smart meter yet? - Book today!

Interested but not yet an OVO member? - Check out our plans!

L

LAMAuthor

Rank 2

Thanks, OVO are sending an engineer out. The box is below ground level but it hasn’t flooded before in the time we have lived there (11 years), although we have had a lot of rain. I have resisted smart meters because I doubt it will be able to ping readings anywhere from that position (plus I am waiting for all the problems everyone else seems to be having to be resolved).

S

SR3

@LAM that's excellent that you have managed to get it sorted with OVO. Might be worth asking the engineer what the final reading on your meter is when he removes it, if he can see it.

L

LAMAuthor

Rank 2

@SR3 Good point - will do.

PeterR1947

Newcomer

If you tap the window fairly hard with your finger, it should dislodge some condensation to enable you to read the meter, if that doesn’t work, wait for the OVO man to come.

if they install a new meter, make sure there’s a hole in the bottom of the box for the water to drain out

PeterR

L

LAMAuthor

Rank 2

Thanks Peter, Ovo suggested warm water and a hairdryer but neither worked. The meter is not in a great place - under ground level in a border - but this is the first time this has happened.

S

SR3

@LAM if you speak to your regional gas supplier they may be able to move the meter, but there may be a cost for this

D

David green

Newcomer

Who do I contact to get a meter changed as my gas meter is unreadable due to installation position and condensation.

David

PeterR1947

Newcomer

Hi David, a picture would make it easier for us to comment.

Peter