Gas Line Testing

[Frank Phillips]

I was curious as to whether any of you offer gas line testing with warranties? If so, did you have to get any special certifications or a license?  Im just curious on what I would need to do so I can pressure test them and warrant the test. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Frank Phillips

[John Adrian Sopher]

I don't know.  Wouldn't you need to be a licensed plumber to do stuff like that?

[Frank Phillips]

John, Im not sure a couple of the guys that Ive spoke to said there is no regulations against testing. You need to be dot certified to pressure test from meter to street. Here in OH it is required by the bank to have each and every house tested on a real estate transaction. I am tired of losing the 60 bucks each time I sub it out. The guy I use said he was mentored by columbia gas but they no longer do it due to liability reasons and is not sure what you need to do now. I spoke to a plumber who said you can test lines by sniffing but I dont think I would want the liability. I would much rather be able to pressure test. I am just not sure what I need to do. I appreciate you responding. If you hear anything please let me know and I am going to keep looking.

Thanks John

Frank Phillips

[John Adrian Sopher]

No prob. 

[Marcel R. Cyr]

John, Im not sure a couple of the guys that Ive spoke to said there is no regulations against testing. You need to be dot certified to pressure test from meter to street. Here in OH it is required by the bank to have each and every house tested on a real estate transaction. I am tired of losing the 60 bucks each time I sub it out. The guy I use said he was mentored by columbia gas but they no longer do it due to liability reasons and is not sure what you need to do now. I spoke to a plumber who said you can test lines by sniffing but I dont think I would want the liability. I would much rather be able to pressure test. I am just not sure what I need to do. I appreciate you responding. If you hear anything please let me know and I am going to keep looking.

Thanks John

Frank Phillips

Frank, this link might help you here a little.
The inspecting authority for the consumers service piping shall be the Company.
Like most Jurisdictions in most cases, the gas Companies control all of the exterior Home services, and most interior testing is done by local certified gas supplier technicians.
But, I might be wrong. 

http://www.vectren.com/cms/assets/pdfs/ohio_blue_book.pdf

[Frank Phillips]

Thanks for the link Marcel it definitely put things into perspective. I think I will leave the gas testing to the qualified personnel. I dont need the extra liability.

Thanks again,

Frank Phillips

[Jay Markanich]

Very soapy water is what the gas company around here uses to test for leaks!

[Frank Phillips]

Jay, the only thing that would concern me would be any lines that are concealed either behind walls or slabs. If you cant see it or sniff it out the only way to really determine would be by pressure testing. Thanks for your post.

Best regards,

Frank Phillips

[John Adrian Sopher]

Soapy water is the old school way of doing things.  I have used that a few times to find leaks. 

Does that make ME old school?  lol

[Jay Markanich]

If it works, it works...

Frank's point about not being able to see inside the walls is a good one.  The gas company might not think that far away from the meter...

[John Adrian Sopher]

LMAO

[Drew Levy]

Please correct me if I am wrong, for a pressure test to be effective at all, doesn't it have to be on for 4 to 8 hours. Most plumbers that I know and most plumbing code officials that I know want an overnight test on new installations. That is probably why the utility companies use soap and water.

[Davin Strand]

I use a gas tester for lines from the gas valve on water heaters, furnaces, etc. I list what type of gas line is installed, but put a disclaimer in on the condition or installation.

[Frank Phillips]

Davin, do you offer a warranty with your gas line inspection?

Frank

[Jay Markanich]

Be careful offering a warranty on anything...

[Frank Phillips]

Jay, believe me I know. I am just curious as to how these guys are offering gas line testing with warranty. Most real estate transactions are asking for a warranty with the gas line test. I am just getting to the point that I do not want to mess with testing. If I smell an odor I sniff but if I dont I leave it up to those more qualified. As soon as you say you tested you are now saying you are a qualified gas tester. I do not want the title nor the responsibility. Thanks for commenting Jay. I dont think the extra 60 bucks is worth it.

Frank P

[Davin Strand]

Absolutly not, I offer no warranty on anything. The disclaimer says something to that affect, that this is the type of pipe... and that this inspection does not comment on the installation or adequacy of the system.

[Frank Phillips]

By the way I do not offer warranties on anything I myself perform. "Warranties" thats a whole other discussion.

[Frank Phillips]

Davin, would you mind sending me a copy of your disclaimer for the testing? If not, I completely understand. I guess I may feel a little more comfortable if I had good disclaimer verbiage. You can email me personally if you would like. Like I said thats only if you want to. Here is the email: phillipsfk@aol.com

Thanks Davin

[Davin Strand]

Frank, here is the disclaimer I us for the gas line system. If anyone has a better one, or can think of how to make it better please reply.

"Although the visible sections of the gas lines appear to have been installed correctly this inspection does not cover the adequacy of the installation or condition of system."