Ipenek:
In Massachusetts, where all licensed plumbers are also gas fitters, we are required by code to hold a gas test at 3 P.S.I. for 15 minutes.
We are also required to have a test gauge that reads in increments of 1/10th P.S.I.. A normal P.S.I. gauge is not sensitive enough to show a small leak...but that 1/10th P.S.I. gauge reveals all!! It is sold at all plumbing supply houses.
That is the standard!! In terms of real world, I use the gauge I mentioned and I hold a
5 P.S.I.test for 15 minutes minimum. Then I wrap it up and connect the final connection and I am done (note: your state may have different code requirement..but will probably want same gauge)
I remember my first time testing a large commercial kitchen gas system....I pumped air into the pipes at 5 P.S.I. on my 25 P.S.I. gauge....all looked great!! Inspector showed up...looked at gauge...and just shook his head at me!! He then told me to check my code book and there it was...test gauge, increments of 1/10th!!
No kidding now...I swear, when I got the right gauge and retested, called inspector out...guess what...YUP!!! There was a gas leak!! The inspector was quite proud of himself, to say the least...
Anyway...pumped up system and found leak, repaired, retested and learned tons!!
NOW...with all that said, I am pretty sure 25 P.S.I. test holding for 2 hours is a good sign. BUT, as a licensed plumber I gotta tell you that if you are going to mess with gas pipe...get the right equipment to test properly..ok?
SAFETY FIRST!! Great question Lpenek!!
You take care...Mark
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