capecharlie
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Post by capecharlie on Mar 23, 2014 14:37:25 GMT -8
Does anyone have recommendations for a good handheld propane leak detector? Been reading about checking your connections before you fire things up. Seems like a good habit. I've been on eBay and camping supply sites; lots of different price points. Anyone found a good value? Thanks!
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Mar 23, 2014 14:43:52 GMT -8
Soapy water in a spray bottle
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capecharlie
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Post by capecharlie on Mar 23, 2014 14:45:34 GMT -8
Soapy water in a spray bottle Yup. Have that  . |
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Mar 23, 2014 14:50:43 GMT -8
Sometimes things are meant to scare a man from his money. Just watch any good natural gas plumber and you will see a pressure gauge and soap test. New gas appliances just recommend using soap test after connecting before use. Simple and effective. Plus. Trust me , a good leak you will smell it with you own leak detector
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capecharlie
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Post by capecharlie on Mar 23, 2014 14:56:40 GMT -8
Sometimes things are meant to scare a man from his money. Just watch any good natural gas plumber and you will see a pressure gauge and soap test. New gas appliances just recommend using soap test after connecting before use. Simple and effective. Plus. Trust me , a good leak you will smell it with you own leak detector Yeah, good point. I'm sure I can find something else to spend my money on! Been having pretty good luck finding supplies in my barn, but I do get my head turned when it comes to tools and gadgets... |
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smccusk
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Post by smccusk on Mar 23, 2014 17:21:37 GMT -8
Capecharlie, I ending up buying this, www.vintagetrailersupply.com/LPG_Tester_p/vts-228.htm Did the soapy water test, that didn’t show a problem. Once I attached this device it was obvious that I was loosing pressure. I tightened up some of the fittings, retested and the system held pressure perfectly. I would recommend a tester. |
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Mar 23, 2014 19:39:18 GMT -8
While this is true, every system should be leak tested, but it can be done in free ways as discussed in other threads on the forum. Unless it's a sniffer it's hard to tell where a slight leak is. Also if a valve is installed at the appliance you can pick up a 5$ gauge that will read low pressure and screw it in to test
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Post by vikx on Mar 23, 2014 22:18:52 GMT -8
One of the techs told me the sniffers aren't any better than your nose. Sometimes, yes, but not all the time.
I test with soapy water on EVERY fitting. Wait an hour and test again. (sometimes it takes a while) If you see bubbles, tighten a little bit. Do not over tighten. (wonder how I know that?) Keep testing/tightening until the bubbles are no longer visible.
Then, I leave the gas on overnight. One sniff in the morning will tell you if there's a leak.
NOTE: New flares are more likely to leak than old. Also beware of gas lines that are in the walls and ceiling.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Mar 27, 2014 9:15:21 GMT -8
That doesn't mean you can do without the CO detector, though.
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Post by vikx on Mar 27, 2014 21:13:53 GMT -8
Absolutely Cow! CO detectors are mandatory. I also have a manometer to test for obscure leaks, but it only tells you you're losing pressure not "where" the leak is...
I've spent over a day hunting a leak. The hardest to find was a cracked nut at the fridge connection. Invisible, I could smell it, even put in a new gas line but DIDN'T REPLACE THE NUT. Duh.
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