Gas Leak Detection: How We Find Hidden Gas Leaks

Gas leaks are one of the most serious safety hazards in any home. Today I'm going to show you the professional methods we use to find them. The first tool is our electronic gas detector — this handheld device can detect even trace amounts of natural gas or LPG in the air. We scan along every gas pipe, fitting, valve, and appliance connection. If it detects gas, it gives an audible alarm that increases in pitch as the concentration gets higher. The second method is pressure testing. We close off the gas system, attach a manometer to a test point, and pressurise the system to 1.75 kilopascals for natural gas. We then monitor the gauge for five minutes. Any drop in pressure indicates a leak somewhere in the system. If we get a pressure drop, we isolate sections of the pipework one at a time to narrow down the location. The third method is the old reliable soap bubble test. We spray a soapy water solution on suspect fittings and watch for bubbles forming — bubbles mean gas is escaping from that point. Signs you might have a gas leak at home include the smell of rotten eggs near gas appliances, a hissing sound near gas pipes, dead vegetation near a gas line, or an unexplained increase in your gas bill. If you suspect a leak, evacuate the house, don't use any electrical switches, and call triple zero or your gas fitter immediately.