Hi,
I am doing a gas line test. I put it at 10 PSI. 10 minutes later, it dropped 1/4 PSI. I went to every joint and sprayed soapy water on it. Not one made any bubbles. Any ideas on how I can pinpoint the leak? Thanks for your time
pb4sc
2007-03-03 08:37:27 · 7 answers · asked by PB4SC 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Check your gas test rig, gauge and all. I have found that is usually the culprit if I can't find the leak. Check all your fittings, not just the threaded joint. I have found sand holes in fittings before. It may not be on a joint. A rarity is to have a hole in the pipe also.
Also, if you have any valves inline with your test, check the packings on the valves with bubbles. Usually culprit #2. Also, the valve seat may be leaking by and you wouldn't be able to detect that.
The best thing to do is not have any valves in your test and also DON'T HAVE a regulator or solenoid gas valve in your test.
Use good quality bubbles. It's obviously a big leak.
2007-03-03 08:56:15 · answer #1 · answered by Obsean 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all, why are you trying to test your gas line? Do you smell gas? If so, get out of the house fast, and call a plumber. If you call the gas company, they will come out and find your leak, but then they will pull your meter and tell you to call a licensed master plumber to purchase a permit, repair the leak, call for an inspection, and then they will come back and re-install your gas meter. Gas systems in residential applications, operate in ounces of gas,or inches of water column, not pounds. By pumping the system up with too much pressure, I have seen people cause more leaks than they had to start with. Existing systems have "set up" over years of use, and any over pressurization, can cause the pipe joints to expand, and leak. Anyone who suggests that you test with fire , IS AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT! PLEASE call a plumber and stop trying to work on items,not intended for amateurs.
2007-03-04 00:04:35 · answer #2 · answered by poppyman54 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless- what you smell is a perfume that's added to alert you to a leak. If you cant smell anything and still think theres a leak, take a lighter and wave it around each joint- if you see a small blue flame from the connection, blow it out right away and you have found the leak.
2007-03-03 16:46:51 · answer #3 · answered by andyville4 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can not find a leak you can call your local gas company and they will come out for free and test it with a sniffer, more accurate and faster than soap bubbles.
2007-03-03 16:44:35 · answer #4 · answered by sgt 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TEST YOUR LINES ANY FLAME OR SPARK !!! Unless you are a licensed gas technician, call your local gas company to report this issue!
2007-03-03 16:58:14 · answer #5 · answered by Zoltar Knows All 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would increase the psi.....we Gage ours at 60 psi and leave for 24 hrs....could be u dont have enough psi to preform a good soap test...
lic. gen. contractor
2007-03-03 20:44:37 · answer #6 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You did exactly what I would do, nows the time to call your gas provider and let them check it. Gas lines are not to be taken lightly. Please don't take any chances.
2007-03-03 16:43:47 · answer #7 · answered by valerie b 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋