Leak Checks and Safety Surveys

August 29, 2019 –

Leak Checks and Safety Surveys

Conducting residential or commercial safety inspections are critical for propane professionals and essential for keeping customers comfortable and safe. Paraco, keeping safety front and center, holds a core set of safety principals which guide all our employees to ensure we operate with the highest safety standards and integrity.

Frequently asked by our customers is what is the difference between a leak check and safety survey, and why and when must they be performed. Both are essential for compliance and customer safety, and are required under specific circumstances. An initial leak check is always performed in conjunction with a safety survey for new installations and setups after the regulators, appliances and appliance shut-off valves have been installed and connected to the gas piping.

Leak Checks

Pressure gauge

Whenever an interruption of service occurs (out of gas, container valve turned off, etc.) a Paraco technician will perform a leak check using a pressure gauge somewhere in the piping system, pressurize the piping, then shut off the container service valve. If a leak exists in the piping, the gauge face will show a drop in pressure, meaning there is a possible issue that needs to be addressed in the system. This leak check is performed for a minimum of 3 minutes and uses the propane vapor as the medium for measuring the pressure.

 

A leak check is also required:

(1)  Anytime there is an interruption of service (whenever the gas pressure in the system no longer supports the appliances and pilots); for example, an out-of-gas situation;

(2)  When service has been interrupted and the installation has been transferred from one customer to another;

(3)  If the system is used on and off seasonally and has been turned off.

Leak checks are also performed when:

(1)  A customer reports gas odor, a possible leak or there has been excessive, unexplained usage;

(2)  The integrity of the system is in question;

(3)  Piping systems which have been in place and previously used, but are new to Paraco, whether or not there was any interruption to service;

(4)  A section of piping is added, replaced or repaired, unless otherwise isolated by installing a shut-off valve or disconnecting the gas piping; and/or

(5)  A regulator or appliance has been replaced or added.

 

Safety Surveys

Safety survey In contrast, safety surveys review and document the entire system including tank sizes, line sizes, equipment/appliances, serial numbers and model numbers of all propane appliances and tank(s), and include a leak check of the entire system. At this time, our service technician will also show the customer how to shut off appliances and tanks in case of emergencies. Safety surveys are performed on all new accounts, move-in-move-outs (MIMO), and for all customers getting new equipment.

 

Performance of leak checks and safety surveys are the only way to know that your propane system is operating safely and correctly. If your service technician performs one and your system passes, you may feel confident that it is working safely and optimally. Read more about our safety initiatives by visiting paracogas.com.

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