25 PSI on gas line test?

[Ricardo99]

My natural gas contractor extended my home gas line about 25 ft;
the city inspector wants a pressure test of 25 PSI for 15 min.

The gas contractor says that's not safe, that's too high of a pressure test and the shutoff valves themselves aren't rated for that high of a pressure test.

Is 25 PSI / 15 min pressure test legit?

Thanks for any info you can provide!

- Ricardo

 

[bzinsky]

Just had one done and it was 15 psi

 

[mike93lx]

Have the city inspector provide documentation for the requirement then proceed. If it is memorialized in local code, then you will probably need to have the valves changed

 

[Git]

If that is what the City inspector wants... As noted above, ask for a reference to double check just to be sure.

 

[metaleltr]

Are the valves not standard? Most wog rated valves I have see are rated to 150psi.

 

[ljhhontx]

I checked specs on the cheapest 1/2" gas ****, it was rated for 600psi, the probable reason for the 25# was the short 15 minute duration, saves the inspector time, if it leaks at 25# it will leak at lower press, just slower.
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-GBV050-1-2-Gas-Ball-Valve

 

[mm08822]

A 24 hour test with the piping filled to 15 psi is common in my area. You attach a 30psi full scale gauge on the system. Mark the starting pressure on the bexel and wait it out.
24 hours later, +/- 1 psi from starting pressure and your good to go.

Appliances need to be disconnected in case any valve were to leak, so you don't blow the appliance regulator.

 

[mm08822]

Why is this requirement news to your contractor?

 

[1953mercury]

I've done literally hundreds of these tests, and the pressure is really irrelevant. I use the same pipe and fittings on my shop air and it has handled 160# with no issues for over 30yrs. Give the inspector whatever he wants. Mike

 

[Sureshot]

I did my own and tested it to 120psi.

 

[Climatecreator]

Gas pressures are usually only 1/2 a psi delivered to equipment or so. There's no need to test at super high pressure and no matter what pressure you're supposed to shut the gas ***** (the valve with handle by the appliance) so you don't damage the gas valve (the control that opens and closes to regulate the gas going into the appliance) if the delivery pressure is high to the house, sometimes 2psi etc a regulator will be placed on the line at the meter to lower it and this should NOT be there during the test.

Pressure test is ALWAYS determined by each individual inspector.

CC

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Pressure test is ALWAYS determined by each individual inspector.

CC

But they cannot require anything that is not code. They are not allowed to make regulations, just enforce them.

Tommy

 

[acer66]

Inspector here wanted also 25psi and there were no problems with lines or valves.

 

[alexb2000]

Guys I don't get the debate. Look up what the inspector is using as a code standard (on the city inspection website usually) then research the specific code.

For example the 2018 IFGC says under 406.4.1 the test pressure shall not be less than 1.5X max working pressure or less than 3 psig. Test pressure when it exceeds 125psig it cannot exceed 50% of the pipe rating.

25psig seems completely reasonable.

Duration of testing 406.4.2 says that testing for a single family residential unit shall not be less than 10 minutes or exceed 24 hours.

15 minutes is also well within this code.

I would find another gas contractor, perhaps one that can read.

 

[BD1]

Do what he requested. As stated appliances must be disconnected and line side capped or plugged .
By me , local natural gas supplier will stop by and witness test pressure. Then return next day to verify pressure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[fitter30]

Make sure all appliances are valved off.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Make sure all appliances are valved off.

If it was me, I would take this one step further and disconnect and plug all lines to the appliances. If a valve leaks through even a little bit, you could damage your appliance with 25 psi on the system.

Phil