How to test a gas line for a leak

Here is an article to help someone diagnose a leaking gas line. This article can assist someone that has just installed a new line and wants to test it before the gas is turned on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• gas pressure tester,soapy water solution in a spray bottle,small compessor,various fittings.

1. typical meter installation on the outside of the building The first thing you will want to do is shut the main gas supply off. You can do this buy turning off the main valve at the meter.
2. Attach the tester by means of whatever fittings it will take to attach the pressure gauge. Attach a fitting to the gas pipe so you can pump it up with air. Watch the gauge you will only need to have 5 psi to test the system
3. Watch the gauge. If the gauge falls below 5 psi there is a leak. You can go around and spray all the joints with the soapy solution. If the solution bubbles up that is where the leak is.
4. compound used to seal newly fastened joints Repair the leak by disassembling the fittings and using pipe joint compound certified for gas. Apply the compound to the male treads only. Reinstall the fittings and retest.

Tips & Warnings

• You can sometimes check minor gas leaks even with gas still on just spray suspected leak with soapy solution.
• Always turn off gas before any repairs are done
• never use any electrical appliance, lighting or phones if you suspect a gas leak
• Use a neighbors phone at least a block away to call gas co if you smell gas.