There are a few basic checks a homeowner can safely carry out to get a sense of whether their gas meter is functioning correctly — but it's important to understand that gas meter testing and any internal gas work is restricted work under New Zealand law and must be carried out by a licensed professional. Here's what you can do yourself, what to watch for, and when to pick up the phone.
Understanding Your Gas Meter
Your gas meter measures the volume of gas consumed in your home, typically in cubic metres (m³). Most NZ homes use either natural gas (reticulated, piped from the street) or LPG (stored in bottles or a tank on-site). The meter is usually located outside the house, often near the boundary or on an exterior wall, and is owned and maintained by your gas retailer or network operator — not by you.
Because the meter belongs to the network or retailer, you are not permitted to tamper with, adjust, or test it internally. However, you can observe it and report concerns.
What You Can Safely Check Yourself
1. Read the Meter Display
Most meters have a digital or dial display showing cumulative usage. Take a meter reading and compare it to your bill. If the numbers on your bill consistently don't match your readings, that's worth investigating with your retailer.
- Write down the reading at the same time each week for a few weeks.
- Compare your usage to similar periods in previous years — seasonal variation is normal.
- If usage seems unusually high with no change in your habits, it could indicate a meter fault or, more commonly, a gas leak or appliance issue.
2. The Zero-Usage Test
This is a simple check you can do yourself:
- Turn off all gas appliances in the house, including pilot lights if applicable.
- Note the meter reading.
- Wait 30–60 minutes without using any gas.
- Check the meter again.
If the meter reading has increased while no gas was in use, this could indicate a gas leak somewhere in your system — not necessarily a faulty meter. Stop using gas appliances immediately and call your gas retailer or a licensed gasfitter.
3. Check for Physical Damage or Corrosion
Visually inspect the outside of the meter (without touching pipework or fittings):
- Look for rust, corrosion, or physical damage to the meter body or surrounding pipework.
- Check that the meter is secure and upright — it shouldn't be leaning or unsupported.
- Look for any signs of moisture ingress or damage from garden equipment, vehicles, or overgrown vegetation.
If you notice any of these issues, contact your gas retailer to arrange an inspection.
4. Smell for Gas
Natural gas and LPG are odourised with a distinctive smell (like rotten eggs or sulfur) so leaks can be detected. If you smell gas near the meter:
- Do not operate any switches, appliances, or open flames.
- Leave the area and call your gas retailer's emergency line or 111 if you believe there is immediate danger.
- Do not re-enter until cleared by a professional.
What You Cannot and Should Not Do
Under the Gas Act 1992 and associated regulations, gasfitting work is restricted work in New Zealand. This means only a licensed gasfitter — registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — can:
- Disconnect, reconnect, or adjust a gas meter.
- Test gas pressure or flow rates using instruments.
- Inspect or repair internal gas pipework or fittings.
- Certify any gas installation.
Attempting to do this work yourself is illegal and dangerous. Always verify a tradesperson's licence on the PGDB website before engaging them.
Signs Your Meter May Be Faulty
| Warning Sign | Possible Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Bills much higher than expected | Meter fault or gas leak | Contact retailer; request meter test |
| Meter reading not advancing | Meter stuck or bypassed | Contact retailer immediately |
| Meter reading advancing with all appliances off | Gas leak in system | Call gasfitter urgently |
| Physical damage or corrosion | Age, impact, weather | Contact retailer for inspection |
| Gas smell near meter | Leak at meter or pipework | Evacuate; call emergency line |
How to Request a Formal Meter Test
If you genuinely suspect your meter is inaccurate, you have the right to request a meter accuracy test through your gas retailer. In most cases:
- The retailer will arrange for the meter to be tested by an approved technician.
- If the meter is found to be within acceptable tolerance, you may be charged a test fee.
- If the meter is faulty, the retailer is typically responsible for replacement and may adjust your billing.
Contact your retailer's customer service team in writing so you have a record of the request.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed gasfitter (find one at tradedirectory.co.nz) if you notice:
- The meter reading advances with all appliances off.
- You smell gas anywhere near the meter or inside your home.
- You see physical damage, corrosion, or leaking fittings.
- Your gas appliances are performing poorly (low flame, inconsistent heat) — this may point to pressure issues.
- You want a professional check of your entire gas installation for peace of mind.
For gas emergencies, contact your retailer's 24-hour emergency line or call 111. WorkSafe NZ also provides guidance on gas safety obligations.