Checking for LP leaks

cweinman · 07-23-2009, 08:45 AM

ok so I am new to this and finding my refurb of my 1970 overlander to be a bit more than expected. Just finished re-doing all the plumbing with PEX after finding many splits within the copper water lines.

My next challenge is with the LP. Would like advice from friendly community on the following:

- Checking for leaks. I want to check the connections as well as the lines (make sure there are no splits within a line). Is the liquid spray-on the best method to do this? Or one of those hand-held detectors?

- I currently have the lines running the Hot Water heater, oven, furnace, stove, refiridge... etc. The refridgerator has been replaced and is electric only. I don't plan on using the Hot Water or oven.. Should I be looking to cap lines that I don't plan to use and just leave them in place? I guess its a question of making the LP system as simple as possible (feeding only what I intend to use) in hopes that decreases potental problems. This may not make sense. Thoughts? The airstream will be parked once its done refurbed and will be stationary, not hauled around.

Thank you to everyone in advance for taking the time out to give me advise. I wish I had more time to just rebuild this camper completely, it sure is fun working on it.

Excella CM · 07-23-2009, 09:47 AM

Soapy water (bubble blowing liquid from a kid's store) will do just fine. You can also turn-off the LP supply and see how long it takes the flag to pop up. That will give you an overall system test. You can get a gauge that goes in the supply line to test for leaks also. These last two methods will tell you if you have a leak, but not where it is. Use your nose and some soap to pin-point any. It is rumored that some people have checked for leaks with an open flame but their exact technique is unknown since they are no longer available for comment!

DEITZ645 · 07-23-2009, 10:13 AM

I've used dish soap / water solution and Windex to good effect when looking for propane leaks.

Silverhobby · 07-23-2009, 11:39 AM

Just be sure the soap you use is not alkaline. Brass fittings don't like a caustic solution.