Do old natrual gas pipes always leak?

Users who are viewing this thread

Stuff

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,221
Reaction score
130
Points
63
Location
Pennsylvania
Backstory: Years ago the gas company came out to replace my meter and they did an inside presssure test before turning things back on. The pressure test showed leaks in multiple locations and the tech said that the test itself may have popped the seals. 1940's house with all black pipe and a traditional unfinished basement so with the easy access my plumber was done in a day replacing everything.

Now a friend just moved in to a house built in the 50's and after smelling gas found a leak in a pipe feeding the furnace. He is fixing that now but does not want to spend money on anything else.

So my real question is: Should I be telling him to have all the gas pipes redone a.s.a.p. because it is going to leak someplace else?
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
May not be a bad Idea.

Now a days they can put a poly pipe inside of the old pipe.


Sometimes it is good if you can run fast.


Good Luck.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
quote; Now a days they can put a poly pipe inside of the old pipe.

Good trick IF you can do it, which is highly unlikely. Test pressures are usually 30 to 40 times, or more, higher than the operating gas pressure so a marginal connection may not leak normally but fail once the test is applied to it. It is NOT a given that old pipes will leak. It depends on the installer, the joint compound used, and the fittings. You test FIRST, THEN repair any leaks.
 

Asktom

Member
Messages
745
Reaction score
32
Points
18
Location
Victor, MT
I'm with HJ but will add that it is usually the valves that leak under test pressures. It is best to remove and cap appliance shut-offs when testing.
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
I'm with HJ but will add that it is usually the valves that leak under test pressures. It is best to remove and cap appliance shut-offs when testing.


If you do install a cheap valve and it leaks it can cause problems with a appliance gas valve, if it is connected.

Not sure if removing a valve and capping the line is a good test, Because it does not test the valve for leaks. ?

If the test was done with the valves open, and appliances connected, You may want to get the model number of your gas valves, they may be handy to have.
 
Last edited:

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
I wasn't clear, remove the valve and cap the pipe.


So remove the valve, Pass the inspection and then when the valve is installed they have a gas leak ?

I do not think so. No go for me.

I may be wrong. I can run fast, but do not want to, if not needed.




Just how I roll.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,771
Reaction score
1,191
Points
113
Location
New England
If you leave the shutoff there, and it leaks past to the appliance during the test, you'll be replacing the appliance's regulator in most cases. A shutoff could leak out, but may also leak through when it is shut off.

If there's a flex line to the appliance (and it isn't hard piped), you would need to replace the flex line when putting things back together.
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
Hire a professional. It's cheaper than buying a new house


Yep, good advice.

But is a inspector not a Pro ? Or just the Boss ?

My boss just tells me how it needs to be.

My wife is my boss.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,599
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
quote; If the test was done with the valves open, and appliances connected,

The PROPER test is done with the valves open and the flexible connectors disconnected from the appliance and capped. Test pressures can damage or destroy appliance controls.
 

DonL

Jack of all trades Master of one
Messages
5,205
Reaction score
72
Points
48
Location
Houston, TX
quote; If the test was done with the valves open, and appliances connected,

The PROPER test is done with the valves open and the flexible connectors disconnected from the appliance and capped. Test pressures can damage or destroy appliance controls.


That would be the best and would check for stem leaks.
 

Dj2

In the Trades
Messages
2,611
Reaction score
258
Points
83
Location
California
Sorry to say this: gas leaks must be dealt with and fixed, then tested and approved.

Gas leaks are not like water leaks.

A house with gas leaks is a time bomb.

Don't shrug it off, get it fixed.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks