oven gas line install - questions

[Phil Schuman]

We just had a new stove installed (gas), and have a couple of questions.

#1 - I noticed that the stainless flex hose needed a sizing adapter that was "straight cut" on the end that connected into the stove. But the other end that connected into the flex hose was "beveled/pointed/flared cut"... The installer used pipe compound on the "straight" end into the stove, but did not put any on the "flared" end threads. WHY ? That end had a tiny pin-hole leak we discovered a week later with "blowing bubbles".

#2 - I used my kids blowing bubbles to track down that very tiny leak... We would just get a whiff of gas around the stove every so often. Any other techniques or liquids to track down these kinds of things ?? Also - to find the leak on the vertical stove connection, how the heck do you put the liquid UP onto the connector ie - male flare is pointing up, and the female flex hose screws onto it. hhmmm - never knew gas lines could be so erotic :) Anyway... I was spooning the bubbles over the connector and it was really hard to get it UP into the screw adapter connector area - Almost needed a "bubble thickener" - maybe just a Q-tip vs a spoon -

tnx for any comments - Phil -

[Michael Daly]

Who installed this? That shouldn't happen with a reputable gas installer. He should have checked it before leaving.

Call your gas company and complain if it's one of their techs and compain about the installer if it's an independent - the gas company should check this guy out.

Mike

[Stormin Mormon]

#1 - I noticed that the stainless flex hose needed a sizing adapter that was "straight cut" on the end that connected into the stove. CY: Probably pipe thread.

But the other end that connected into the flex hose was "beveled/pointed/flared cut"... CY: sounds like flare fitting.

The installer used pipe compound on the "straight" end into the stove, but did not put any on the "flared" end threads. WHY ? CY: The flared end (should be) gas tight.

That end had a tiny pin-hole leak we discovered a week later with "blowing bubbles".

#2 - I used my kids blowing bubbles to track down that very tiny leak... We would just get a whiff of gas around the stove every so often. Any other techniques or liquids to track down these kinds of things ?? CY: Yes, several companies make electronic detectors. Tif and TPI are good. I like my TPI better, the one time I needed customer service, they were excellent.

Also - to find the leak on the vertical stove connection, how the heck do you put the liquid UP onto the connector ie - male flare is pointing up, and the female flex hose screws onto it. CY: Turn stove on side. Or, use a beeper.

hhmmm - never knew gas lines could be so erotic :) Anyway... I was spooning the bubbles over the connector and it was really hard to get it UP into the screw adapter connector area - Almost needed a "bubble thickener" - maybe just a Q-tip vs a spoon - CY: One type of leak detector does use a fuzzball on a wire, inside the cap.

tnx for any comments - Phil - CY: Glad you found the leak.

[Phil Schuman]

any specific name or brand - I didn't see ANYTHING at Home Deport -

[Stormin Mormon]

You might not find anything at HD. They aren't a refrigeration wholesale supply.

[Berkshire Bill]

What's a gas stove got to do with refrigeration ?

[Phil Schuman]

after seeing the web pages - it's basically all the same - testing for a "leak" from some kind of pressurized gas line, regardless of what is running in the line - well, cold vs warm - see here - scroll down a bit - a liquid used on the connections that will create bubbles from the "gas" escaping -