What brings you here? Chances are you suspect there's a leak in your natural gas line or maybe you've found one. Whether it's starting at your gas meter connections or the middle of your hose, or the connection to your barbecue, you've come to the right place for all the troubleshooting and most frequently asked questions about gas lines. Let's get right into it.
First, we're going to go over how to identify a gas leak. If you've already been able to do this, go ahead and skip to the Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Line Repairs section below.
How to Identify a Gas Leak
Your suspicion of a leaky gas line will most likely stem from noticing that your grill isn't working or it's producing much less heat than it did at the last barbecue cook out. Whatever it is, here are some steps to identify a possible gas leak.
Step 1: Turn off your natural gas supply. Once it's off, you want to inspect the hose for any punctures from animals, kids, or what have you (watch out for Uncle Doug, he's always up to no good). If you typically leave your gas line attached to your barbecue and stretched across a walking path, chances are it's been stepped on, kicked, or even driven on by bikes or tires. Maybe you hit it with a lawn mower by accident or wacked it with a shovel because you thought it was a snake. Also, check for any wear and tear from it being kinked, notched, or squished repeatedly.
Step 2: If you haven't seen any issues with the hose itself, move on to the connections to the hose, such as the quick disconnect nipple and coupler.
- Not to insult, but sometimes the reasons that make us feel the dumbest when we seek help are in fact the reasons why something doesn't work (we've all been there). So, make sure that hose is actually fully inserted into the quick disconnect coupler properly. You should hear a little "click" when the rivet of the quick disconnect nipple passes the movable piece of the coupler. This goes for the connection from the hard pipe connected to your natural gas meter as well as any other connection (i.e. any connections in a gas hose extension)
Step 3: If you're sure that the natural gas hose is in the quick disconnect coupler properly, it's time to whip out your trusty Masters Leak Detector to leak test your connections to find out if there's anything to worry about.
- To apply your Masters Leak Detector, first turn your gas supply on. Next, spray a few squirts of it on your gas line connections. You want to be aiming for the threads and where any two components meet, as that's where the gas will pour out from, if there is one. Look closely, if there are any continuous bubbles being formed (there will be a small amount of bubbles when the leak detector is first applied, but these will pop quickly if there is no leak). If there are new bubbles continuously being formed, that's the gas causing them, which means you've identified a gas leak!
Step 4: Wipe off the Masters Leak Detector and enjoy the bitter sweet taste of the knowledge that you were right about your suspicion of a gas leak, but now you have to fix it.
Now that you know there's a leak in your gas line, watch this quick video to learn more about what's required in an up to code CSA (Canadian Standards Association) gas line.
Watch now: Gas Hoses and Fittings: Measurements and Hook Up
Frequently Asked Questions About Gas Line Repair
If you're here, you've likely already identified a leak in your natural gas line and want to know more about how to fix it. We've provided the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. Will flex tape work on a natural gas hose?
Flex tape is adequate, but only for a temporary solution in a tough time. It's highly recommended that you replace your natural gas hose as quick as you can because when it comes to gas, you always want to be safe not sorry.
2. What is the best brand of sealant for a gas line?
There are many brands of gas line sealant out there, but we go with Slic-Tite liquid sealant for two reasons: quality and affordability.
3. What type of sealant is used on gas line piping?
For the black iron natural gas line piping we install in our valued customers homes, our certified gas fitters use Masters Pro-Dope Pipe Thread Sealant. Although this is a frequently asked question by people wanting to repair their gas lines, we have to tell advise you that ONLY certified gas fitters are LEGALLY allowed to work on the piping in the system before the shutoff valve.
4. What can you seal natural gas fittings with?
After the shutoff valve, you can use our Slic-Tite liquid sealant or PTFE Hercules Megatape Pipe Sealant. Both are great options, but many prefer the Slic-Tite, despite it being a little messier.
5. What is gas PTFE tape?
PTFE is polytetrafluoroethylene, a chemical compound found in sealant tapes. Be careful because there are many PTFE tapes out there, but only the proper gas-rated PFTE tape should be used on your gas line.
6. Is all PTFE tape good and rated for gas lines?
No, not all PFTE tapes are dense enough for gas line sealing.
7. How to replace a leaky gas connection?
This process is quite long to type out here... good thing we've already explained it in out other blog post, How to Extend Your Gas Hose. Click here to learn how to replace your leaky gas connection.
8. Can I use a rubber hose or garden hose to repair natural gas lines?
No. Heck No. Absolutely not. Not only is this dangerous, as only gas-rated things should be used to carry natural gas from one place to another, the system would likely not work.
9. When should I replace my gas hose?
Every 2-5 years. Many factors have to do with this like running over it, weather, freezing and heating in winter/summer, etc., every little thing adds up to damage your hose. However, even a well-kept hose will lose it's durability after 5 years. If you're wondering if you should replace yours, try coming on into our store and pick up a natural gas hose, just to feel how a new hose should feel in your hands. Does your gas hose feel as sturdy? If not, then it may be time to replace yours.
10. When should I replace my gas regulator?
Every 5 years for non-corrosive gases. Regulators should have a manufacturing/production date stamped on them.
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