Many city apartments are equipped with gas stoves. Gas supply to them is carried out centrally. Residents of private houses in some cases use gas cylinders or boilers. Whatever equipment is used for domestic purposes, the main principle of its operation is compliance with safety measures. It is extremely important to understand how to check for gas leaks in order to take timely measures to eliminate it. This knowledge can save a life.
Causes of Gas Leaks
There are several main problems in which there is a smell of gas in a living room:
- improper installation or operation of equipment;
- the presence of cracks, creases on the gas hose, its rupture;
- poor threaded connection on the hose nut, inside the gas stove;
- gas hose gasket wear;
- wear of sealing materials on a gas valve;
- wear of the gas valve, its leaking closure;
- incorrect operation of the burner;
- extinct fire when the burner is on.
Leak Detection Methods
Sometimes there is a need for urgent diagnostics before the arrival of gas service specialists. In order to take the necessary measures in a timely manner, the question arises of how to check the gas leak at home using affordable methods. There are several simple methods to identify the cause or find the location of the damage.
The main signals by which it is possible to suspect the spread of gas in the apartment:
- the fact of leakage is not in doubt when it periodically smells of gas. If there is a smell when the burners are on or after the equipment is turned off, this is the first signal that a leak is occurring somewhere. In normal condition, natural gas does not smell. When used for domestic purposes in order to detect leaks in a timely manner, it includes a substance that has a specific pungent odor;
- another signal that is easy to detect is the color change of the flame of a burning gas. If the equipment is functioning properly, the flame is even blue. Otherwise, it will be yellow in color, will acquire red hues;
- when a whistling sound is heard at the depressurization site, this indicates that gas is being released at the damage site.
How to check the leak of domestic gas to make sure it exists?
Sometimes pipes or a gas tap are arranged so that they are hidden by kitchen furniture. How to check gas leaks in such inaccessible places? You can apply the method of pressure testing for residual pressure. First you need to open the burners in order to let gas through them. Then turn them off and close the valve on the pipe. So in the gas pipeline the remaining gas that is not completely burnt out will appear. In order to understand if there is a leak, you need to wait only a few minutes. Then you need to open any burner, turn it on to the maximum position and try to light it. When there is no leak, the remaining gas will ignite and burn out to the end. If nothing happens and the gas does not catch fire, it means that its remainder has managed to escape at the site of damage.
If the gas pipes are not closed by the kitchen set and there is access to them, then there is a technique how to check the gas leak just by touch. It is enough to pass a hand along all the connections on the gas pipe. A leak can be felt like a stream of thin cold stream.
You should know how to check with soapy water. A gas leak can be detected with soap or shaving foam. It must be applied to the gas pipe, as well as all joints. Soap bubbles will appear in the gas exit areas. A soap solution is best applied with a brush or brush.
Special gas analyzers can help identify a leak. Such sensors can be installed together with sound detectors. If the permissible level of gas concentration is exceeded, the sensor is triggered, the alarm is turned on.
It is important to know how to check for gas leaks safely for yourself and others. Never use a burning match or a lighter for this! It threatens to explode.
Procedure and safety measures in case of leak detection
If the leak is not in doubt, the following steps must be taken:
- turn off the stove;
- turn off the gas tap;
- open windows to let in fresh air and ventilate the room;
- notify emergency gas service;
- abstain from smoking, do not turn on electrical appliances to prevent sparks. It is better to completely de-energize the apartment by turning off the machines on the electric panel.
If you suspect improper operation of the equipment, as well as in the case of self-detection of a leak, you must contact professionals to troubleshoot.
Troubleshooting Techniques
Gas leakage can occur in different parts of the gas pipeline. The place for damage depends on the methods for its elimination.
In case of gas escaping in places of threaded connections:
- unwind the connection;
- remove worn windings, sealing and sealing materials;
- check the condition of the thread;
- if it is in order, re-seal the connection and install seals;
- assemble the connection and tighten it tightly to avoid gas escaping;
- check sealing with soap suds.
In case of leakage due to deteriorated sealing materials:
- unwind the connection;
- remove worn sealing materials;
- install new gaskets;
- assemble the connection and tighten it tightly;
- check sealing with soapy water.
If the gas hose is worn out, there are creases and cracks on it, its complete replacement is necessary.
If all connections are in order and the gas hose is also in good condition, then the cause of the leak may be hidden in more complex problems:
- some burner is damaged and its replacement is required;
- the valve on the gas pipe is faulty and requires replacement;
- the leak comes from under the handle, which regulates the gas supply to the burner. In this case, it is necessary to remove the handle, remove the old dried grease, clean, apply a new one and put the burner handle in place;
- gas escapes under the burner nut. It is required to tighten the nut more tightly, being careful not to break the thread.
In these cases, it is better to seek the help of qualified specialists who have access to work with gas equipment.
Gas leak in a car with HBO
With the proper functioning of the car with HBO - gas equipment - no smell of gas should not be present. If the smell of gas is felt, there is a leak of gas fuel. This may occur for the following reasons:
- the equipment is not installed correctly;
- connections are leaky;
- fuel hoses or other parts are of poor quality or worn out.
Methods for checking gas leakage in a car are the same as in the case of home gas equipment. It is convenient to use sensors - gas analyzers in the car interior or to check the fuel system with soapy water.
To prevent leakage and for the proper operation of HBO, you must follow some rules:
- do not use plastic or wire ties when installing HBO in a car. It is better to install spring ones that do not require a tightening;
- as gas hoses, use only copper or PVC pipes, since they are more durable;
- change the air filter regularly or clean it;
- timely maintenance and adjustment of equipment.