A house I see not issue, but we did commercial work. We had some buildings on LPG with a dozen RTUs and about that many shop heaters too. It isn't a 5 minute job to test the gas line.
Capping a gas line?
- Thread starter Hank11
- Start date
Firebrick43
Well-known member
First we are talking about a house system, but never less, on commercial systems you violated code because it would take to long?
North Dakota uses the international fuel gas code (currently 2018)
As stated earlier, its is almost word for word from NFPA 54 as all 50 states use it for the basis of their fuel gas codes with minor changes.
We perform a safety check/leak check on residential systems every 5 years or every interuption of service.
On commercial systems or any system where people gather, we do a check every year.
Last edited:
All these safety requirements and codes, yet they sell gas appliances, piping, fittings, dope and even pipe wrenches and threaders at Home Depot to anybody......
Most homeowners aren't going to call a professional hvac company to "rip them off" and they also aren't going to buy a simple manometer (which they probably don't know how to use anyway) to test with. A simple ****** and cap or plug install after a valve doesn't really need a whole system pressure test and some soapy water will at show if there's a leak. Code compliant? No. Better than leaving an open valve? Definitely.
Most homeowners aren't going to call a professional hvac company to "rip them off" and they also aren't going to buy a simple manometer (which they probably don't know how to use anyway) to test with. A simple ****** and cap or plug install after a valve doesn't really need a whole system pressure test and some soapy water will at show if there's a leak. Code compliant? No. Better than leaving an open valve? Definitely.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
The LP company will do the test for free, or at least any reputable one will. Soapy water will not find leaks like the manometer test or even a true leak sector fluid will.
We don’t care if homeowner farmers do their own work, we just ask that they call so we can check it before turning on the system again. If they don’t, we will pick up the tank and fire them as a customer.
Two weeks ago we had a new customer and a 3 year old house and a separate tank on pole shed with a generator as well.
The black iron drip leg cap to the navien WH was leaking because it was only on hand tight from install. We looked and looked for this tiny leak and finally started shutting down valves to isolate parts of the system. Even our leak decor fluid showed the tiniest of bubbles that soapy water wouldn’t have found.
Pole barn had a similar small leak where the csst was hooked up to the furnace in the shop section and the rubber flex hose on the genny had a leak as it was installled too tight between iron fittings(offset, we installed a 45 instead of a 90)
Death Row Dave
Well-known member
I worked with many old timers , a leak test was to light a match, and run the flame around the fittings .
What is needed to complete the task here is a MINOR , task not , to cause leaks . Just turn off the shut off , what ever it maybe , cap or plug what is remaining . Leave the shutoff closed , soap test it and carry on . I have no idea how most of the responders to the question would handle what I ran into on a daily routine day . I worked daily with CFR 192 , 195 , NFPA 58 , 59 and am a Certified Training Instructor in all of these. Don’t make an issue , out of every task . Do it safely and correct the 1st time because if you don’t how do you have the time or knowledge to repair it again the 2nd time . Be safe , every task has been your 1st task at one time or another in your life .
What is needed to complete the task here is a MINOR , task not , to cause leaks . Just turn off the shut off , what ever it maybe , cap or plug what is remaining . Leave the shutoff closed , soap test it and carry on . I have no idea how most of the responders to the question would handle what I ran into on a daily routine day . I worked daily with CFR 192 , 195 , NFPA 58 , 59 and am a Certified Training Instructor in all of these. Don’t make an issue , out of every task . Do it safely and correct the 1st time because if you don’t how do you have the time or knowledge to repair it again the 2nd time . Be safe , every task has been your 1st task at one time or another in your life .
Jim greengo
Well-known member
Yes I have,it's usually caused by an open neutral on an electrical service.I assumed as much, just wanted to make sure. In my line of work, I have seen some "stuff" and wondered why has this place not burned down yet. We won't even go into the way some people around here talk or the way their brains work.
Ever seen a Gas Meter spark ?
You will become a very religious person the 1st time you see it happen! Hahaha
How about one house trailer feeding another house trailer with power by a piece of 12/2 NM Romex buried 2-3" down in a piece of 1/2" pvc pipe ?
The feeder trailer had been completely lined (remodeled) with OSB on the interior walls.
They have since been tore down and replaced with a BK.
75gmck25
Well-known member
The last couple of years I've gotten a notice from the gas company that they want to send someone out to do a preventive check for gas leaks. The guy shows up with a meter that has an electronic wand, and then runs it over every pipe that has an accessible gas fitting or junction. Not sure how good the meter really is, but at least they are checking.
Most houses in this neighborhood were build in the early forties, or maybe the early fifties, and most have had multiple renovations. I think they are getting much more concerned about pipe/fitting deterioration.
Most houses in this neighborhood were build in the early forties, or maybe the early fifties, and most have had multiple renovations. I think they are getting much more concerned about pipe/fitting deterioration.
Bk?
STClurker
Well-known member
I'm assuming Burger King