Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    wtarnold's Avatar
    wtarnold Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 8, 2012, 05:08 PM
    Gas test gauge won't read pressure (gauge is good)
    PROBLEM: I've completed the gas line installation to five end points with a max of 50 ft (three branches) from the meter. All end points have caps and no valves on the test. I've shut off the gas at the meter, installed the test gauge at one of the end points, and tried pumping it up. The needle doesn't budge. The gauge works fine, and I've tested it independently.

    THINGS I'VE TRIED:
    - I've gone through every connect with the gas on and sprayed with Snoop leak detector and found nothing.
    - I've check *every* joint, and they all look solid. I tightened them all myself, and, as the homeowner, likely over did the tightening. I also used the appropriately sealant (yellow goop in a tube) on the threads.

    What am I doing wrong! I'm beyond stumped.

    Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

    Sincerely,
    Stumped
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #2

    Mar 8, 2012, 05:43 PM
    Hi Wtarnold

    Is this gas meter shutoff on the INLET side of the gas meter? In other words, are you testing through the GAS METER or a PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE? If you are testing through the meter or pressure regulator then this is probably the issue... pressure could be bleeding off through a safety relief valve here!

    If possible, eliminate the regulators and the gas meter itself from the equation... after that, if all lines are capped and you still have a leak then the issue is in the pipes (i.e. a leak) or in your test equipment!

    Back to you...

    Mark
    wtarnold's Avatar
    wtarnold Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Mar 9, 2012, 08:38 AM
    Mark, I think you're aboslutely right. I checked that before, but I think my meter is older and does not have a valve on the house side of the meter, only the street side. I didn't know the meter had a regulator that would expel the air I pushed into it. So, the only way to test the system would be to cap the main line from the meter after the meter.

    This was very helpful... my first post to one of these question/answer forums. I hit the jackpot!

    Thank you very much, Mark.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
    		  
    #4

    Mar 9, 2012, 11:02 AM
    Never mind that testing through a gas meter can rupture the diaphragm... hoping that is not the case here!

    Super glad if I was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to update me.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

My 2 ton ac pressure gauge reading 38 how many pounds of freon needed to read 70? [ 1 Answers ]

I had a guy I know from work come out and check it and he put freon in and it was reading 80 how many pounds did he put in the unit? The unit is a 2 ton and I paid him a 100 dollars

1991 Honda Civic Tack, water gauge, fuel gauge problem? [ 2 Answers ]

My tack, fuel gauge and water temp gauge all went to zero. I could not find any fuzes that were out. Is there anything that would provide power to these three items?

How do I find the schrader looking valve to connect fuel pressure test gauge [ 3 Answers ]

How do I locate the supposed schrader valve looking connection to test fuel pressure on a 2001 Toyota Corolla?

Pressure Transducer not working? I read 80 psi with Gauge - Replace or not? [ 1 Answers ]

OK, So I'm in the process of adding a sprinkler system to the back yard - and I checked the pressure at the hose bibs w/ a pressure gauge - 80 psi. Well, where the water enters the house (in the basement) there is a pressure reducer "set at 50 psi." I'm under the impression that the thing is...

View more questions Search