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dutchy148
Oct 20, 2007, 03:52 PM
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
Oct 21, 2007, 06:52 AM
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
Oct 21, 2007, 09:10 AM
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
Oct 21, 2007, 09:22 AM
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.