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Propane Testing for Leaks
Regular testing of RV propane system.
Here is how the TiogaRV
Team tests our propane system for leaks. We have a gauge that measures inches of water.
Propane in our system is regulated at 11 inches of water.
We have a convenient quick
disconnect into our propane lines that is normally used to hook up our catalytic heater.
In the pic below, you may see our gage connected up to check our propane lines for leaks.
After the gauge is hooked up, we turn
off the refrigerator and close the valve on our propane tank. All other propane using
devices are off.
Before the test may be done, the high pressure gas that remains between the tank shut
off valve and the high pressure side of the regulator must be equalized. We do this by lighting
a burner on our stove while watching the manometer gauge. The pressure should be
reduced to 7" of water. It may take several tries to get the high side pressure
equalized and remain at 7" of water.
The reason for reducing the pressure to 7" of water, is to be able to detect if the propane
tank's shut off valve is leaking. If this valve is leaking, thus providing propane to flow into your
RV's gas lines, the pressure will rise from 7" of water. If we did not reduce the pressure from 11" of
water, the system would maintain 11" of water pressure even though a leak was present.
After equalization, the test goes on for 20 minutes, and should result in no change from
the 7 inches of water.
In the past, the exposed lines
were coated with soapy water at joints. However this kind of test is inadequate because
lines go inside walls where testing is not possible.
The link below will take you to National Safety Products, a company that sells the
manometer that is used in our propane test.
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