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    dutchy148's Avatar
    dutchy148 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Oct 20, 2007, 03:52 PM
    Gas line test - acceptable pressure drop after 15 min
    Similar question to others re: gas line tests:

    When the system is pressurized to at least 10 lbs and holds for 15 minutes (meeting the code required test criteria) but than starts to lose pressure at about 1lb./hr, is it common practice for professional installers to locate the sources of those leaks and correct them so the test pressure holds indefintely?

    Thanks
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
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    #2

    Oct 21, 2007, 06:52 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by dutchy148
    Similar question to others re: gas line tests:

    When the system is pressurized to at least 10 lbs and holds for 15 minutes (meeting the code required test criteria) but than starts to lose pressure at about 1lb./hr, is it common practice for professional installers to locate the sources of those leaks and correct them so the test pressure holds indefintely?

    Thanks
    That would be my approach, but there is no code requirement to do so.

    If our gas piping won't hold 10lbs overnight (or half the pressure of the gauge being used, usually a 30lb gauge), we track the leak down and back out whatever piping we need to to repair the leak.
    dutchy148's Avatar
    dutchy148 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Oct 21, 2007, 09:10 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by dutchy148
    Similar question to others re: gas line tests:

    When the system is pressurized to at least 10 lbs and holds for 15 minutes (meeting the code required test criteria) but than starts to lose pressure at about 1lb./hr, is it common practice for professional installers to locate the sources of those leaks and correct them so the test pressure holds indefintely?

    Thanks
    Thanks... this helps confirms where I was headed. Since you've clearly done this before... what's your preferred leak detection medium. I've used the specialized gas leak detector (also rated for air, etc.) and it contains tiny bubbles upon application and they remain as the fluid flows around the fitting. So far, haven't found my leak(s) using it. Going to shift to dish detergent. Any other inspired suggestions??

    Thanks
    iamgrowler's Avatar
    iamgrowler Posts: 1,421, Reputation: 110
    Ultra Member
     
    #4

    Oct 21, 2007, 09:22 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by dutchy148
    Thanks...this helps confirms where I was headed. Since you've clearly done this before... what's your preferred leak detection medium. I've used the specialized gas leak detector (also rated for air, etc.) and it contains tiny bubbles upon application and they remain as the fluid flows around the fitting. So far, haven't found my leak(s) using it. Going to shift to dish detergent. Any other inspired suggestions???

    Thanks
    If it were me, I would pump it up another ten pounds and then use a mixture of liquid dish detergent and water in a spray bottle to spray every fitting.

    Also, spray the test gauge, air filler valve and the packing on the gas cocks and any log lighter valves you might have installed -- I've had more than a few faulty test gauges and gas cocks over the years.

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