How to Troubleshoot a Gas Line

Many appliances and devices in your home run on propane or natural gas. If your gas line isn't working, parts of your life can come to a standstill. Troubleshooting a gas line and finding the source of a problem is relatively straightforward.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rag
• Bucket of water
• Screwdrivers
• Spray bottle with soapy water

1. Locate the gas line. Make sure you can physically reach the line from the beginning to end; you'll need clear access to all the points along the line.

2. Identify each valve, corner, joint and connector along the gas line. These points will be the most likely places for a gas leak to develop.

3. Begin at the tank or gas supply line from the gas company. Spray the connector to the tank with the soapy water. Carefully watch the tank and look for small leaks that will appear as a train of soapy bubbles.

4. Continue investigating the lines. Check every connector's valve and elbow that might break. Check if the item being examined has a gas leak. Squirt the soapy solution in the spray bottle over each component of the gas line.

5. Find a stream of small bubbles coming from the surface of the pipe. This is the leak and must be marked and repaired. Repair the component by cutting out a small section of tubing and replacing it with an identical section of tubing and two connectors.

6. Continue to check each valve or junction for any more leaks. Fix each leak detected as quickly as possible. Remember to replace it with the exact same part and length of tubing.

7. Blow down the tube towards the air hole.

[projectmgr]

on 8/8/2008 I doubt any gas utility company would want anyone other than a licensed gas fitter repairing gas lines.