I just had a new stove delivered. Problem is, to save money this is a freestanding range and the other one was a slide in. I have to change the position of the gas line to where it used to be (judging from the hole in the floor). Spent my last bucks on the stove – don’t have lots left over for the plumber. Plus, no gas shut off in the kitchen – only downstairs underneath the stove, so I need to put one in.
I’m going to re-plumb the new section (a couple of feet with probably 4 elbows and 45’s and check for leaks with detergent and water. I read that usually the inspectors take up the pipes to 30 p.s.i. to check for leaks.
Where can one get the gauge and connector to allow me to check for leaks?
Is it o.k. to just test the new section and leave the ball valve closed, or should I test all the way to the meter, since I’ve monkeyed with the system.
There’s currently no drip pipe – do you recommend one?
Thanks,
Ben
Replies
Ben: There are some things that are just not worth the risk. When your home and family (or anyone's home and family) are on the line and you aren't 100% confident you know what you're doing with gas, it's time to call the plumber.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
Thanks Al and David.
I went through a dry run and fitted everything up. Not too difficult, but I have some questions about how it will exactly fit. Luckily for me, my good friends are sending their uncle over with 20+ years plumbing experience to fit it all up for me. Very nice of them. I don't know if he himself will pressure test it when all is done - I'll ask him.
I've learned how to do electrical and some simple plumbing, but I'll let this guy do this one.
Get a test gauge with an inflation inlet from a plumbing supplier. Get an air chuck for your air compressor to make filling it up quick and easy. Disconnect the water heater, stove, etc. from the piping, including removing any shutoff valves. Cap the piping. Disconnect the meter and install the test gauge. Inflate the system to 30 PSI and then come back in a while and see if it has dropped. Tap on the gauge with your finger to see if the needle moves... sometimes they stick in place even if the pressure is dropping.
If everything holds, call for the inspection. You might need to make the setup twice, once to check it yourself, and once to show the inspector. They don't set anything up, they just come and check the gauge.
No way you should build gas line without doing the test. There's too much at stake.
Gas test here (SoCal)is only 10 lbs. http://www.codecheck.com/pg17_18_plumbing.html#gasp
Most gas valves wont hold much over 20 lbs
The actual working pressure is less than 1 lb. That is why you can cap a live gas pipe with the palm of your hand or a raw potatoe
He did point out that all other appliances and valves should be removed and capped before a 30 lb. test.
You are right about low pressure vales, regulators and such not being tested above 10 lb. Our gas meter repairmen use 5 lbs. for 30 min. to avoid any possible damage to the customers appliances. Residential gas pressure is ussually measured in ounces or inches w.c..
Dave