In article , Donal
wrote:

"Peter Wiley" wrote in message
. ..
In article , Donal
[snip]

You assume the place is never sold or that any faults manifest
themselves during the original ownership.

No! I assume that the problem is not big enough to warrant government
intervention.



Not necessarily the case
unfortunately. It's possible - stupid, but possible - to use lead based
solder (yorkshire fittings) to make your own gas pipework. This solder
can degrade over time, or crystallise. A gas leak may occur years
later.

How often does this occur? Is the degree of risk really worth the cost?

When I bought the house that I currently live in, I had it surveyed. I now
assume the risk. I suspect that the government could save more lives by
spending *our* money on hospitals, instead of paying ill-educated inspectors
to ensure that we do not blow ourselves up with dodgy gas fittings.

Heh. Most people have houses surveyed for structural defects. When was
the last time a surveyor did a pressure test on gas lines? I'd venture
to say never, here. The pipework is assumed to be OK. Brave assumption
even if a professional did do it, IME.

Personally though, I'm in agreement with you. I'm building a house
right now and I *may* end up arguing with an inspector because my
lintels aren't *exactly* to code. Never mind that they're twice as
thick as they need to be, according to the framing code, and I'm the
one who will wear it if something goes wrong. Far as I'm concerned they
should mind their own business. The paperwork takes far too much time.

PDW