Let me start off by saying I’m not a licensed LP installer, but have installed many both natural gas and LP gas appliances over the years in my own dwellings and never had a leak. I know how to work both black pipe and soft copper.
Most recent install, however, has me befuddled. Soft copper LP job to a new water heater (Richland, I think). All fittings re-tightened and checked with soapy water, still detect slight gas smell. The gas valve itself has a little friction fit grey plastic cap on the top. Sniff right there and you smell gas. Remove the cap and smell is stronger, but you still have to get your nose right up to it. Under the cap is a screw with red paint on it. I stop right there.
Is there a common place that these valves leak right from the manufacturer?
I’ve called the LP supplier and they’re supposed to send a man out. Right now just trying to get as educated as possible.
Replies
Johnny,
Ran into what sounds like an identical situation at a friend's home about a year ago. Same symptom from the same location. Since the unit was on warranty at that point, I had him call the point of purchase. They contacted the company, they sent a guy out and he "repaired" it on site. What he did, I don't know because I wasn't present at the time, but no replacement took place on that unit or so I was told. It was a Richmond also.
Yeah, this is on warrenty too, so I guess I;ll take that route.