gas-pipe pressure test valve

amakarevic · 07-08-2008, 03:41 PM

just got a pressure test valve and a gauge from fergusson that thekctermite suggested one should test black pipe installations with.

Q: this thing looks installable permanently. i though that would be a good idea to have a tee close to where the pipe enters indoors, a nipple into the tee and this thing on it. so that, whenever i branch out some more, i get to test it without finding an open end where to put it temporarily. is this how it should be ? please tell me yes.

**Termite** · 07-08-2008, 05:06 PM

Uh, no. Sorry.

That's a good idea, but it is not a listed or permitted device for a piping installation, even with a valve. With a valve it would never cause a problem if you left it there with the valve closed, but I personally wouldn't allow it just due to the fact that homeowners fiddle with things, and having something that is not intended to be left in place shouldn't be left in place anywhere on a fuel gas system...Especially when a future homeowner or "handyman" might open that valve for unknown reasons.

I'd suggest a tee fitting with a nipple, a valve, a nipple, and a cap. Remove the cap and install the air gauge whenever you need to expand or test the gas system in the future.

amakarevic · 07-08-2008, 06:30 PM

thanks

**Termite** · 07-08-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amakarevic

thanks

I have a hunch you don't mean that.

hehehe

amakarevic · 07-09-2008, 08:24 AM

yeah, i wish you confirmed positive but hey ...

anyway, HOW exactly to you do this testing ? dilute some soapy water and apply it on joints once the system has been pumped pressurized ?

**Termite** · 07-09-2008, 11:38 AM

Use an air compressor with a tire inflator to charge the system with about 10 or 15psi. You can also use a bike pump. CLOSE ALL THE VALVES TO THE APPLIANCES, WATER HEATER, GAS METER, AND HVAC FIRST!!!!!!!! Elevated pressure above the working pressure (1/2 psi) will damage them. Purge the gauge so the needle rests exactly on a number mark, and let it sit for an hour or so. If the needle drops, you're leaking. If it doesn't, you're good. When you're done, purge the pressure through the gauge and then remove it. Once the system is charged with gas, use soapy water at the cap where your gauge was to test that connection.

Dish soap mixed in water can be sprayed on each connection to locate a leak. I use an old windex bottle. You can do it as a precaution if you want to. Do one at a time and use a flashlight to look for little bubbles growing into larger bubbles. It is best to do this with 10psi in the line as opposed to gas pressure, which blows bubbles very slowly due to the lower pressure.

amakarevic · 07-09-2008, 01:06 PM

thank you termite and thank Al Gore for the internet

**Termite** · 07-09-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amakarevic

and thank Al Gore for the internet

07-08-2008, 03:41 PM	#1
amakarevic Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,083	gas-pipe pressure test valve just got a pressure test valve and a gauge from fergusson that thekctermite suggested one should test black pipe installations with. Q: this thing looks installable permanently. i though that would be a good idea to have a tee close to where the pipe enters indoors, a nipple into the tee and this thing on it. so that, whenever i branch out some more, i get to test it without finding an open end where to put it temporarily. is this how it should be ? please tell me yes.

07-08-2008, 05:06 PM	#2
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	gas-pipe pressure test valve Uh, no. Sorry. That's a good idea, but it is not a listed or permitted device for a piping installation, even with a valve. With a valve it would never cause a problem if you left it there with the valve closed, but I personally wouldn't allow it just due to the fact that homeowners fiddle with things, and having something that is not intended to be left in place shouldn't be left in place anywhere on a fuel gas system...Especially when a future homeowner or "handyman" might open that valve for unknown reasons. I'd suggest a tee fitting with a nipple, a valve, a nipple, and a cap. Remove the cap and install the air gauge whenever you need to expand or test the gas system in the future.

07-08-2008, 06:30 PM	#3
amakarevic Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,083	gas-pipe pressure test valve thanks

07-09-2008, 08:24 AM	#5
amakarevic Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2,083	gas-pipe pressure test valve yeah, i wish you confirmed positive but hey ... anyway, HOW exactly to you do this testing ? dilute some soapy water and apply it on joints once the system has been pumped pressurized ?

07-09-2008, 11:38 AM	#6
Termite Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,520	gas-pipe pressure test valve Use an air compressor with a tire inflator to charge the system with about 10 or 15psi. You can also use a bike pump. CLOSE ALL THE VALVES TO THE APPLIANCES, WATER HEATER, GAS METER, AND HVAC FIRST!!!!!!!! Elevated pressure above the working pressure (1/2 psi) will damage them. Purge the gauge so the needle rests exactly on a number mark, and let it sit for an hour or so. If the needle drops, you're leaking. If it doesn't, you're good. When you're done, purge the pressure through the gauge and then remove it. Once the system is charged with gas, use soapy water at the cap where your gauge was to test that connection. Dish soap mixed in water can be sprayed on each connection to locate a leak. I use an old windex bottle. You can do it as a precaution if you want to. Do one at a time and use a flashlight to look for little bubbles growing into larger bubbles. It is best to do this with 10psi in the line as opposed to gas pressure, which blows bubbles very slowly due to the lower pressure.

gas-pipe pressure test valve