How to pressure-test gas pipe
Hi again!
First, MANY thanks to you experts for the help I've gotten in the last month. I passed my plumbing inspection for my new bathroom and kitchen!
Now, on to one more little one. I'm installing gas lines. The house was previously on oil heat and all other appliances were electric, so this is completely from scratch.
As is probably true in many places, our local codes say that the system must be "under test" when the inspector comes. It says to fill the pipes with 10psi of air, and that it must maintain the pressure for at least 15 minutes.
My question is, HOW? Is there some kind of device I've never seen that screws onto the end of a black iron pipe, but has a bicycle-pump connection for pumping air in?
Any help is greatly appreciated. I've been searching Google but so far haven't had much luck.
- james
Snifter valve needed here!
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamlove
Hi again!
First, MANY thanks to you experts for the help I've gotten in the last month. I passed my plumbing inspection for my new bathroom and kitchen!!
Now, on to one more little one. I'm installing gas lines. The house was previously on oil heat and all other appliances were electric, so this is completely from scratch.
As is probably true in many places, our local codes say that the system must be "under test" when the inspector comes. It says to fill the pipes with 10psi of air, and that it must maintain the pressure for at least 15 minutes.
My question is, HOW? Is there some kind of device I've never seen that screws onto the end of a black iron pipe, but has a bicycle-pump connection for pumping air in?
Any help is greatly appreciated. I've been searching Google but so far haven't had much luck.
- james
Hey James, Welcome back!
Yes there's a device you can make yourself. You failed to mention the pipe size so I'm going to assume it's 3/4". You take a 3/4"(or your pipe size) coupling and bush it down to accept a snifter valve. A snifter valve looks like the air valve on your tire except it has threads at the base. Snifter valves can be picked up at some hardware stores and most auto parts stores. Since most air compressures the plug into a cars cigarette lighter have a gauge I would pump up the gas line with that or a bicycle pump with a gage.
OK! Ya got 10 pounds of air in the gas line what now? We check for leaks by taking a mixture of water and dish detergent and painting each joint with it. If you see bubbles then you have a leak. No bubbles and you're home free. Good luck, Tom