On Tue, 24 May 2005 14:59:31 -0400, Ariel wrote:

I have a very slow gas leak in my house that I simply can't find.

The gas is leaking at a rate of 1.7 cubic feet per day (0.071 cubic feet
per hour) as measured by the meter.

I don't smell gas anywhere, and I have looked at (sniffed actually)
every joint I could reach, and nothing.

My question is how sensitive of a detector would I need in order to find
this? I have seen detectors with ppm sensitivity ranging from 50 to
2000. Obviously price goes accordingly, how sensitive of a detector do I
need?

And realistically speaking, how bad of a leak is it? I know that any
leak at all sounds scary, but a leak so slow that you can't smell it is
not a fire hazard as far as I know, but it does waste gas.

If you are competent to perform the _correct_ procedure to detect for a
gas leak as outlined in the FAQ, then do so. Otherwise call Trancso 0800
111 999. They will have someone out promptly and they will perfrom the
test for you.

If you establish there is a leak then try with some/all of the appliances
turned off on their service isolators. If the leak is in the pipework it
_must_ be dealt with.

Also note that one turn of the meter dial is one cubic ft. The 0.071
refers to the internal workings of the meter which can be ignored for the
purpose of this discussion.


--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html