[Tommysupra13]

I’m having some trouble testing a natural gas line that I just installed. I have a cheap 10 dollar test gauge hooked up to it. It is keeps showing that there is a leak every time I test it. I checked all the joints with soapy water and don’t see any bubbles. I’m thinking the gauge might be the problem. I re did all of the connections around the gauge and housing and it’s still showing a significant drop.
What gauge set up do you recommend buying to test a natural gas line that is reliable? Any other advice on chasing down a leak? Thanks for your time.

 

[jmon]

I agree, return it for another one. If still same results, call your supplier. Around here they will do that for free. Idk, about your location. Plus they have all the stuff and will fine your leak if there is one. At least get a second opinion with another gauge first. Just a suggestion.

 

[TarheelTerp]

I’m having some trouble testing a natural gas line that I just installed.
What gauge set up do you recommend ...

What does your County require?

 

[Tommysupra13]

I’m just a home owner/ electrician. I don’t have a local supply house that I know of. I was going to order a new one online somewhere. The only ones that I see on amazon are either the $10 ones like the one I have or they have one for $50 but I really can’t tell the difference. Are there any brands that you would recommend that you know will be reliable. I don’t mind spending a little bit more money if it’s going to be accurate. Thanks.

 

[dj3]

1. Check again with a different gauge. At $10 a gauge, you can't expect high quality.
2. Did you test for leaks in EVERY CONNECTION along the gas pipes? You could have a leak in a hidden, hard to reach connection.

 

[Retired24]

When I piped natural gas in my home, I used a handheld sniffer from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BM1XWB8/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Y7zTEbG4P7ASV


It showed were a leak was occurring when a bubble test showed nothing.


Good luck!

 

[FlyingHammer]

One trick I learned long ago is to use a small brush or rag to apply the soapy water. Work it into each joint to make sure you clean off any surface oil or dirt. The soap water may not show the leak if you just spray it on.

 

[SeniorSitizen]

Pencil tire testers range in price from about $ 0.99 to a couple of bucks. I've found them to be about as accurate as a cheap gauge. Pick up a couple to compare then give one away to a needy person.

 

[tom_poconos]

Try a different gauge, but also, check the joints again. I had difficulty confirming leaks with soapy water (because it already has tons of bubbles in it??) and found that putting my ear to the joints was more effective. In the end I needed to tighten a few joints a lot tighter than I would normally tighten a joint. They say don't over tighten threaded connections but when it comes to gas and black iron piping, the only thing that worked for me was gas tape + teflon paste + a **** ton of muscle. Maybe I was doing something wrong... in any case what I built can now hold 15 PSI for days.

 

[569743]

The gas company will check all of the connections for leaks with their sniffer for free - just call them.