Test propane line

[monkey44]

I have a slight leak in my propane line somewhere ... we can smell it in the camper. Might be the regulator, but I want to pressure test the propane line as well.

On Amazon I see a pressure test gauge with an air fitting, and the other end is female pipe thread, but can also screw in a female to male fitting if required...

SO, I need to go from pipe thread to a plug-in fitting that fits in the propane line - my camper has a BBQ line on it, so I can plug in there if I can find a thread - plug-in adapter and pressure test it overnight.

Any advice on an adapter, or a test gauge that plugs into that BBQ line.

Otherwise, I can go into the range top, and use a pipe to brass fitting, but that's more complicated ...

[Old-Biscuit]

Just buy a Cavagna LP Regulator and replace your OLD LP Reg.

[Ski_Pro_3]

I bought one of these and it's the best investment ever for sniffing out gas leaks. It's very sensitive, but you can also adjust it so you can pinpoint the source of the gas by turning down the sensitivity as you move the thing closer to the leak source.
It sounds off like a Geiger counter with it's ticking getting faster as you get nearer to the leak source.
Works for batteries too; ever wonder how much hydrogen gas is coming off your batteries and if they are vented enough? This will tell you.

https://www.amazon.com/AGM-Detector-Combustible-Natural-Tester/dp/B00WMP9ZZW/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid...

[rhagfo]

DrewE wrote:
I'm curious what you're attempting to accomplish with pressure testing. You know you have a leak somewhere, be it in the regulator or elsewhere. Pressure testing would seem to me to only demonstrate that you have a leak in the regulator or elsewhere, but not get you any closer to fixing it.

Or are you planning on bypassing the regulator for the test? What pressure would you test at? The propane system is usually under quite low pressure, well under 1 psi. Testing at significantly higher pressures would seem to me to be as likely to cause leaks and damage as find them, at least if one is not careful to disconnect the various appliances and their valves, regulators, etc....and one would still want to test them with soapy water after reconnecting everything to make sure no new leaks have been created.

If testing at pressures make sure all appliances are disconnected. When we remodeled our house and added a gas cook top, gas logs in fireplace, and a BBQ connection. I needed to replace all of gas piping in the house due to existing pipe size. Inspection for the new system required to hold 15 psi for 15 minutes! I pressurized to 30 psi overnight, fist thing in the morning if had dropped to 28 psi, and by the time the inspector arrived it was back to 30 psi as the air warmed.

[ksg5000]

When I suspect a leak I take my rig down the Commercial Propane dealer I usually use to fill up the tank - takes them just a few minutes to determine what the problem is and they usually don't charge me so long as I top off the tank. Just another alternative.

[monkey44]

OK - thanks - didn't think about the higher pressure on appliances ... will use soapy water test.

I have a suspicion it's the regulator and propane is bleeding into the camper thru the wall penetrations. It's a Lance truck camper, so has the box inset into the camper sidewall, not outside like a TT ...

When we shut off the propane at the tank, the smell disappears in a few minutes with the exhaust fan on briefly. When I open the valves, I can smell it just slightly - and then it smells inside within a few minutes...

[DrewE]

I'm curious what you're attempting to accomplish with pressure testing. You know you have a leak somewhere, be it in the regulator or elsewhere. Pressure testing would seem to me to only demonstrate that you have a leak in the regulator or elsewhere, but not get you any closer to fixing it.

Or are you planning on bypassing the regulator for the test? What pressure would you test at? The propane system is usually under quite low pressure, well under 1 psi. Testing at significantly higher pressures would seem to me to be as likely to cause leaks and damage as find them, at least if one is not careful to disconnect the various appliances and their valves, regulators, etc....and one would still want to test them with soapy water after reconnecting everything to make sure no new leaks have been created.

[WNYBob]

I would use the soapy water test, Put some soapy water in a spray bottle or a dish. ... Next, spray the entire valve, regulator and hose assembly with the soapy water. Alternatively, you can apply thesoapy water with a paint brush, basting brush or it can even be sponged on. Bubbles will form if there is a gas leak and you may also smell the gas.

[Chris_Bryant]

You must disconnect every appliance and plug the lines if you are going to use more than 1/2 psi, otherwise you will destroy the gas valves.

[WNYBob]

I would use the soapy water test, Put some soapy water in a spray bottle or a dish. ... Next, spray the entire valve, regulator and hose assembly with the soapy water. Alternatively, you can apply thesoapy water with a paint brush, basting brush or it can even be sponged on. Bubbles will form if there is a gas leak and you may also smell the gas.

[SaltiDawg]

You are going to use propane as the medium to pressure test a hose? What will you do as the trapped propane warms up while sitting in the hose and the pressure drops due to that fact?

Use soapy water on the mechanical fittings as a safe and effective testing mechanism. To do a hydro on a hose, water would be the appropriate testing fluid. (Likely not practical for your situation.)