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    lpenek's Avatar
    lpenek Posts: 28, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 30, 2008, 08:59 AM
    Pressure testing a new gas pipe
    Hi- We just plumbed a new gas pipe and are about to pressure test it. My son tested it at 25 psi for 2 hours but read another place it was to 15psi for 5 minutes- what are the correct standards Thanks, Lynne
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
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    #2

    Mar 30, 2008, 09:56 AM
    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 got to 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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