New regulation requires gas line inspection on existing homes

Gas line pressure testing is a relatively new requirement that has become a problem for new homeowners. Houses that have had the gas service disconnected for over 6 months now have to test the gas pressure. Ideally gas lines should be able to hold 20 PSI of pressure. The operating pressure of a gas system is typically under 1 PSI. What we have been discovering is that old gas systems are leaking under current pressure testing requirements. The most common leaks are occurring at old style spring loaded shutoff valves, thread protector coupling (which were never supposed to be used to connect pipe, they are not tapered), improperly threaded sections of pipe and also on underground sections of pipe which are rotted out. Some of the repairs can be minor. However, sections of pipe and fittings which are underground or hidden behind drywall are proving to be difficult to test. The leaks are generally so small that ultrasonic detection cannot be used and common leak detector fluid is producing a small bubble only every few minutes. On multiple occasions we have encountered a system will hold pressure for over an hour, then 24 hours later the system pressure is at 0 psi. We retest the system and find that additional threaded connections are leaking (possibly due to the thread sealant drying out over time or the system never undergoing a pressure test during original installation). Several systems have held pressure after correcting the issues for the second round of testing. Other systems have resulted and complete dis-assembly, re-threading and new fittings. Older systems in poor condition are sometimes required to be completely replaced. Approximately 80% of the system we test require some type of repair for the system to pass the current pressure testing requirements. Once the system is passed by the code official, the code official sends a release letter to the gas authority which then allows the gas meter to be unlocked and service to be activated.

Michael Whitman
Atlantis Plumbing
770-505-8570