Propane Leak??

Question

Ok so my propane guy told me I have a leak. My tank is empty so there is no pressure and no smell. We dug up the line to the house no holes or any inclination that it has leaked through that pipe. we think it is at the tank but the propane guy told us it was not! How do I go about finding this leak, remember there is no propane in the tank so there is no pressure! HELP!

Answer 1

WARNING!
Propane gas is heavier than air. Therefore it may accumulate in low areas. Approach the risk of explosion accordingly.
I have seen fire departments cut holes in roofs to vent accumulated propane gas. That doesn't work for obvious reasons.
Now that you have been appropriately warned, lets proceed.
I'd start by assuming the propane guy was correct in saying the leak was not in the tank.
First, do you have pilot lights in you system? they can slowly bleed gas off when the system is not otherwise in use. Supply to pilot lights should be shut off when the system is not in use. If that is not the problem, do the following:
Borrow a small air compressor and connect it to the gas line at the point where the gas line leaves the tank, down stream from the pressure regulator.
Have a shut-off valve between the compressor tank and the gas line with a pressure gauge just down-stream from the shut-off valve. A zero to 30 PSI pressure guage is best.
Cap off all gas outlets from your piping system.
Start the compressor and pressurize the tank to no more than 30 PSI. (Gas systems normally operate at low pressure so don't tryto pressurize the lines to full compressor operating pressure). Shut off the compressor when 30 PSI tank pressure is achieved.
Open the valve and pressurize the lines to 30 PSI.
Close the valve.
If there are leaks, you will see the gauge pressure drop.
If the gauge pressure drops, use a soap solution to sheck all lines and fittings to locate the source of the leak.
If there is noi drop in pressure, the propane guy was wrong.
Be sure to purge all air from the gas lines prior to your next use of the system.
Hint: children's bubble blowing solution is a cheap source of soap well suited for leak checking. It is often available from dollar stores.

Answer 2

Assuming that the propane guy is correct and that you do have a leak, test your system by disconnecting the supply at the tank (turn off tank valve first) and supplying low air pressure (10-15 lbs) to the house supply line (this may require addition of plumbing fittings). Then apply soapy water with a soft brush or spray bottle to all fittings and connections checking for any bubbles that form. A service company could perform this pressure test of your system at a price and then be responsible for the quality of the check. Good luck and be safe!

Answer 3

if there is an interruption of service, like if the tank runs out of propane, then it is not only the suppliers responsibility to check for leaks he is breaking the law if he doesn't check for leaks throughout the whole system.They charge for doing it, but the law clearly states that they have to check...it's a public safety thing.

Answer 4

pump up the tank with air and check for leaks that why