Gas Test and leak detection
The gas testing equipment is only used to find leaks in sub-surface pipelines mainly when a leak has been tested using the acoustic method. An inert and safe gas is injected and allowed to flow into the pipeline. The gas escapes through leaks then rises through the ground and into the atmosphere.
The gas is detected using a gas detector on the surface and indicates that there is a leak nearby.
- 1litre per minute water loss is roughly 40 000 litre per month.
- Towns generally lose 25% or more of water through leaking pipes.
- If you suspect a pool leak, place a bucket on the first step and fill to the same level as the pool. If the level of water in the pool drops below that of the bucket, then there is a leak.
- If you suspect a water leak, close all taps and place your ear against a water pipe. If a faint hissing sound is heard there could be a leak.
- Water leaks usually start off very slowly, so small that they show little or no movement on the water meter. The leaks develop into larger leaks and may burst when there are spikes in water pressure.
- The most common cause of water loss is poor pipeline installation and failure of fittings. Soil loading and excessively wet soil causes immense pressure on pipes and fittings. Pipes should be bedded in sand but this is usually not done. Angular rock fragments against pipes and poor connections are the main culprits.
The soapy water leak test allows for tell-tale gas leak soap bubbles that are indicative of a gas leak. You just coat all of the gas transmission gear (pipes, hoses & valves) with soapy water and then pressurise the system. If you see gas leak soap bubbles or smell rotten eggs, you know you have a leak.
It is important to know how do you check for gas cylinder leaks and regularly leak test your BBQ gas bottle (LPG gas cylinder), regulator and hose using the soap bubble test for gas leak.
Leaks from these items are frequently the cause of BBQ gas fires.
