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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2010
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    IL
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    Default Combustible gas leak detection

    I have been using a Tiff8900 and have 3 times this year pointed out leaks to clients that when the HVAC guy arrives says there is no leak. Usually joints, or gas control valves. I have never been there at the time the HVAC guy is there.

    Is there a possibility for a false positive? I just bought some bubble leak as a back up. But really, does that make sense? Using a $2 bottle of bubbles to confirm what your $200 tester indicated.

    Any thoughts?

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Utah
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    It does not matter what the bubbles cost, compared to the cost of the electronics. The bubbles are a physical indicator, and the bubbles don't care what your electronic toys have to say. If gas is escaping above atmospheric pressure, the bubbles will form, regardless of what the sniff test says. Maybe the HVAC tech simply does not consider the amount of gas being detected, to be a problem. If the HVAC guy says it's not a problem, recommend the client contact the gas utility for a FREE inspection. In fact, recommend a gas utility inspection as a matter of course, when a leak is detected.

    Last edited by Jimmy Roberts; 04-20-2012 at 06:42 AM.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Baton Rouge, La.
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Bill, Its not a bad idea to use another method to backup your initial findings! Could you detect a gas smell when you found the leaks?

    James Bohac

  4. #4
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    Columbus GA
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Have the unit tested and calibrated.

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2010
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    IL
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    About 1/2 the time I did smell gas.

    You can't use bubbles on the burner supply fom the gas valve. I sometimes get an indication of gas leaking past the gas control valve. 1 HVAC tech said there will always be a residual amount of gas in the burner supply.

    Seem's unreasonable. Thoughts?


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Utah
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    390

    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Residential gas lines usually run about 4 oz of pressure so if the bubble test fails I would say there is a leak.


  7. #7
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    Cool Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    You need to do a search on this site as this has been discussed many times at length. You can get false positives from soap bubbles, pipe dope, thread cutting oil, greasy finger prints, etc.

    Keep the fire in the fireplace.

  8. #8
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    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    My gas leak detector is my nose. I smell gas leaks quite often. At this mornings inspection, I pulled the access panel off off finished wall at the front of the basement and was immediately greeted with a big whiff of gas. The problem (for the home owner) was that the gas line penetrated the foundation wall at ceiling level and the access panel was at the bottom of the finished wall. He was going to have to open as much of the ceiling/wall area as necessary to have the leak fixed.

    "It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at that man". - Jack Handey

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Nick Ostrowski View Post
    My gas leak detector is my nose. I smell gas leaks quite often.
    My apologies ... I didn't realize you were standing there.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
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    Sparks,NV
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    109

    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    It is standard practice to use bubbles to check after the sniffer. I also don't check for leaks while the appliance is running.

    Nevada IOS#1730
    Nevada Energy Auditor #30
    775-342-4767 www.homecsi.com

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Knoxville, TN
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    I use my nose first, then confirm with my Tiff. I will call utility myself if house is vacant.


  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
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    Charlotte NC
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Wood View Post
    Nose always knows and the gas detector is to pin point exact location. Soap is then used to verify. In Ontario with our extreme changes in temperature it is not uncommon for the fitting to the black iron main gas line to leak or even crack in movement but one can be fooled if you are not careful from residual smell on the venting. Key to success is always pin point the source.
    Keven, can you expand on "residual smell on the venting"?

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  13. #13
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Wood View Post
    A pocket left by the natural venting can be detected and misconstrued as a leak. Just because you have a good nose to smell you still need to find the leak.
    How to install a natural gas pressure regulator
    The vent is there to sense the ambient pressure, which is how a regulator performs its magic. There is not suppose to be any leakage of gas. If you smell or detect gas at the vent, the diaphragm is leaking.

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  14. #14
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Wood View Post
    Correct! Relief is not leakage.
    How much gas is allowed to "relief" to the atmosphere and where does it come from?

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  15. #15
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Wood View Post
    Did you read the link I provided?
    Yes, but I did not see the answer to my questions.

    - - - Updated - - -

    I did read this,
    1. Verify there are no leaks and all connections are tight.


    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  16. #16
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevin Wood View Post
    They do vent when over pressure and are set to match the correct pressure. They will only relieve pressure when that pressure increases past the set amount. Never messure the gas at the vent unless you are sure it is a consistent leak.
    There is no manufactured passage between the gas side and the atmosphere side of the diaphragm. If you smell gas there is a leak!

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  17. #17
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    This is what Vern is explaining:
    - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4DDnoMAHY8

    Generally good information, but incorrect on where to vent the regulator to .

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  18. #18
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    Cool Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    ANSI z21.88 allows trace gas leakage at specific rates:
    235cc/hr. through the main operator of the valve to the burner at 3/4 psi and 200 cc/hr. through the seals of the valve at 3/4 psi. Note that most gas appliance run at 1/4 psi or less inlet pressure.

    Every time the pressure changes the diaphragm moves as it seeks to equalize against atmospheric pressure by the vent. Some trace leakage here is common. It mimics flatulence or a burp. A sustained gas discharge at a vent is a sign of a ruptured diaphragm. In that case, not only should the valve be replaced but the cause determined and corrected or you'll just have to replace another valve.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Last edited by Bob Harper; 03-17-2015 at 08:31 PM.
    Keep the fire in the fireplace.

  19. #19
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    Charlotte NC
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    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Harper View Post
    ANSI z21.88 allows trace gas leakage at specific rates:
    235cc/hr. through the main operator of the valve to the burner at 3/4 psi and 200 cc/hr. through the seals of the valve at 3/4 psi. Note that most gas appliance run at 1/4 psi or less inlet pressure.

    Every time the pressure changes the diaphragm moves as it seeks to equalize against atmospheric pressure by the vent. Some trace leakage here is common. It mimics flatulence or a burp. A sustained gas discharge at a vent is a sign of a ruptured diaphragm. In that case, not only should the valve be replaced but the cause determined and corrected or you'll just have to replace another valve.

    - - - Updated - - -

    ANSI z21.88 allows trace gas leakage at specific rates:
    235cc/hr. through the main operator of the valve to the burner at 3/4 psi and 200 cc/hr. through the seals of the valve at 3/4 psi. Note that most gas appliance run at 1/4 psi or less inlet pressure.

    Every time the pressure changes the diaphragm moves as it seeks to equalize against atmospheric pressure by the vent. Some trace leakage here is common. It mimics flatulence or a burp. A sustained gas discharge at a vent is a sign of a ruptured diaphragm. In that case, not only should the valve be replaced but the cause determined and corrected or you'll just have to replace another valve.
    I am finding quite a few (est. 3-5%) MP regulator valves that are installed in attics leaking a small amount at the vent. I don't think I have found any leaking in a crawlspace. The furnace or water heater has not been firing at the time I have noticed the leaks. I can always smell the leak and then verify exact location with sniffer. Is the high temp of the attics causing the diaphragm to fail?

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
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    St Paul, MN
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    1,630

    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    You guys realize this post is 3 years old, right?

    MinnesotaHomeInspectors.com
    Minnesota Home Inspectors LLC
    ASHI #242887 mnradontesting.com

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    28,032

    Default Re: Combustible gas leak detection

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Harper View Post
    ANSI z21.88 allows trace gas leakage at specific rates:
    235cc/hr. through the main operator of the valve to the burner at 3/4 psi and 200 cc/hr. through the seals of the valve at 3/4 psi. Note that most gas appliance run at 1/4 psi or less inlet pressure.

    Every time the pressure changes the diaphragm moves as it seeks to equalize against atmospheric pressure by the vent. Some trace leakage here is common. It mimics flatulence or a burp. A sustained gas discharge at a vent is a sign of a ruptured diaphragm. In that case, not only should the valve be replaced but the cause determined and corrected or you'll just have to replace another valve.
    Bob,

    Do you have a reference which addresses the venting pipe when the vent is extended to beyond a combustion/ignition source?

    I.e., slope up or down (depends on propane or natural I suppose) or installing a trap in the vent (running across, down, across, back up, etc)

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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