Gas mains pressure and leaks

[akist]

I had a smart meter fitted a few months ago and he tested the pipework for leaks. From memory the pressure was millibars, ie negligible, so I am wondering with so low pressure, how can you detect leaks? I presume you can sellotape over cracks in the pipes and you'd be OK?

 

[gas112]

better to use duct tape far more professional

 

[terryplumb]

better to use duct tape far more professional

Someone might actually read that and think it's ok to do, hopefully not.

 

[fixitflav]

I had a smart meter fitted a few months ago and he tested the pipework for leaks. From memory the pressure was millibars, ie negligible, so I am wondering with so low pressure, how can you detect leaks? I presume you can sellotape over cracks in the pipes and you'd be OK?

Just because it's low pressure doesn't mean it can't leak. I assume he would use foam or soapy water on the joints he'd made. But you'd soon smell it if there were a significant leak.

 

[ianmcd]

Just because it's low pressure doesn't mean it can't leak. I assume he would use foam or soapy water on the joints he'd made. But you'd soon smell it if there were a significant leak.

or do a tightness test, which all pros are supposed to do will show in seconds

 

[jeff the gasman]

Sellotape! Oh dear!
BOOOOM

 

[45yearsagasman]

"I presume you can sellotape over cracks in the pipes and you'd be OK?"

Got to be a wind up, but having said that, we are surrounded by morons who would do such a thing.

 

[fixitflav]

or do a tightness test, which all pros are supposed to do will show in seconds

What is a tightness test, other than what I suggested? Just asking

 

[ianmcd]

What is a tightness test, other than what I suggested? Just asking

you attach a manometer to the gas meter test point and close the incoming control valve and if there is a leak the guage will drop, a bit more to it than that but that is the general idea

 

[Nige F]

They are now called a Personometer due to inclusiveness

 

[fixitflav]

you attach a manometer to the gas meter test point and close the incoming control valve and if there is a leak the guage will drop, a bit more to it than that but that is the general idea

OK ta

 

[CBW]

They are now called a Personometer due to inclusiveness

You don’t know if it identifies as a meter

 

[Madrab]

That and soapy water/foam shouldn't be used, it contains salt and other stuff that isn't very good for copper/brass/SSteel and can also promote flammability. The liquid that's should be used is called leak detection fluid (LDF)

 

[gas112]

That and soapy water/foam shouldn't be used, it contains salt and other stuff that isn't very good for copper/brass/SSteel and can also promote flammability. The liquid that's should be used is called leak detection fluid (LDF)

Also Promote flammability ? you mean can corrode the metal ?

 

[Madrab]

Also Promote flammability

Yep, as well as corrosion ... some soaps are a mix of petroleum products or animal oils and fats, so the residue left once the water has evaporated can actually be flammable in itself.

One reason why soapy water is never used to leak test on O2 bottles, some soaps can leave flammable residue that can react directly with the HP O2 and ignite. Had an Uncle that worked at BOC and the subject of leak detection came up and they used to have to use LDF too as it's chemically inert.