[italiano]

how to test a natural gas line

 

[DannyT]

a pressure gauge and a compressor or tire pump. is anything connected to it? you shouldnt pump it up for testing with any appliances hooked up you can ruin the inlet valves on them from too much pressure. do you have access to all the piping?

 

[autx790]

Set that on a T that you can just later put a plug on. Pump up to 10-15 psi and hold it for 15 minutes. If you let it sit overnight you could see fluctuation due to temperature variations. Like Danny said, make sure you turn off the ball valves at your appliances so you don't have them on the line.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[aussie steve]

15 minutes isn't long enough if you're pressure testing to 10 or 15 psi. atmospheric conditions might make it fluctuate, but on that pressure i would be doing it over night. Better to test to 7 kpa using a low pressure gauge, as it will show up small leaks where as a high pressure test won't. Even better still would be to get a gas fitter who knows what they're doing, considering you're dealing with something that has the potential to cause severe damage, injury or death.​

 

[fireguy]

Do a search for member Frank the Plumber. He is one person here who knows of which he speaks. He has responeded to similar requests for gas work previously.

Be forewarned, he does not suffer fools gladly. But, you are working with hazardous material that can make your house sneeze.

 

[hvac benny]

Code minimum is 15psi for 15 minutes with a minimum 3" gauge (assuming its for a gas line that is 2psi or less and under 200 feet). Most fitters I know, including myself, will test at 30psi for at least 24 hours.

Testing at 7kpa, even with a low pressure gauge, will NOT help you find small leaks. This is just plain bad advice. Seven kpa is only one psi, and many new residential gas installs are 2 psi (14kpa). Use at least 15 psi, with the proper gauge (3", exceeds test pressure by 15%, but not more than 300%, increments no more than 2 psi or 2% of the maximum dial reading, whichever is less). I've seen gas lines drop a pound or two and hold. You could probably hold 1 psi without using any pipe dope. Do it proper, or don't do it at all!!!