I just finished running the dwv lines for a mastersuite addition, but when I go to add the five pounds of pressure to the system, there seems to be a small leak somewhere. It holds air til about five pounds, and then slowly drains out after five minutes. I’ve checked everyjoint, but don’t hear any leak sounds. My gauge is cracked and old, so I may just need a new gauge. If it’s not the gauge, what’s the best way to find a small leak? One friend suggested smoke or peppermint, but I’ve never tried those methods, so I’m unsure they’ll work. Any and all ideas appreciated….
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Replies
Soapy water sprayed on each connection will show the leak if you pressurize the system.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
.... or just fill the system with water rather than air. Sometimes the leak is thru a test plug into the system, and is not detectable. Water is a good way to know if there's a leak that will matter.
Yeah. One way to do this is to drag a hose up onto the roof and fill to the top of the vent pipe.
People never lie so much as before an election, during a war, or after a hunt. --Otto von Bismarck
add dye to yur water...
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Thanks to everyone with the tips! Will give that a try!!
Depending on the situation it can be smart to make up a test plug with a hose bibb, and connect that to a first floor fixture, or even underfloor. That way you can fill the system with a garden hose until you hear it pouring off the roof, and then drain it the same way.
How bout getting the pressure up higher so you can hear it?
I've tried that, but when I use my compressor (Twin Tank campbell hausfeld), and attempt to add more than five pounds pressure, the gauge doesn't go any higher----keep in mind that the pressure gauge's plastic face is cracked....need to buy a new one.
Thanks for the suggestion...will attempt to try it.
If the compressor is running like normal the pressure switch is usually on at 95 or so and off at 105 or 110 psi. When you hook it up and let it cycle does it pressurize till it auto shuts off? If it does then it should be above 100 psi. So if it works like it should then you could guess that it's losing approx 15 psi at approx 100psi every? how many minutes till it recycles. If it's 30 minutes it's a small leak and if it's 3 minutes it should be pretty easy to hear it.
I think he's saying that above 5 pounds the compressor can't keep up with the leak. This would suggest a crack somewhere, or a joint that isn't glued, so it opens up under pressure.
People never lie so much as before an election, during a war, or after a hunt. --Otto von Bismarck
If the compressor keeps running you should be able to hear where the ? 2-4cfm the compressor is putting out at the leak. For example if I go to the hose and let it run with nothing on the hose I can readily hear the air flowing out.
How are you sealing the connection between old and new, or have you not connected them yet?