[coastalpm]

Passed inspection on our gas line for a remodel. Have about five capped gas outlets. Pressure held @ 15 psi for 15 minutes but slowly drops about one psi every half hour or so. Is this normal or do I need to search for a gas leak?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Coastal...

There is a reason they only require 15 minutes and that is because temperature and pressure are related to each other in such a way that an increase or decrease in temperature will present a corresponding change in the pressure of a system.

For gas tests this means that if you test in the early AM that by noon on a hot day the pressure would increase or by the late afternoon would decrease as the temperatures drop.

All that being said, it is pretty easy to pump everything up again to say 50 PSI... as long as you disconnect everything (including the meter)... and soap up all joints just to be on the safe side.

Let me know if you want to discuss more... OK?

Mark

[kryostar]

I agree massplumber,we pump gas lines up and leave overnight before inspection just to be sure,and it makes it much easier to find leak with a higher pressure in there.

[luisrivera]

Hi I have. A inspector that faild my gas told me that I have to fix leak I fix the leak but the prsuer slowly drops about half of one psi per 15 minuts will it pass inspection?

[massplumber2008]

Hi Luis...

Frankly, who cares if it will pass the test! The larger issue is the leak and gas leaking in the future, right?

First, hopefully you disconnected your gas meter... ;)

Second, I'd pump the system up to 40-50 LBS. and then go around and soap up every joint/valve and valve handle being tested. For best results use a gas testing soap... sold at all home improvement stores. These steps should reveal the leak and keep you and your family safe!

After you reconnect everything soap all connections you reconnected for best result, OK?

Mark