I was inspecting a natural gas water heater the other day, and smelled gas. I pretty much had to run my nose along the length of the gas pipe to determine where the leak was at.
Can anyone recommend a good electronic gas leak detector? I see them anywhere from $49 to $650. Are the electronic detectors better, or not better, than the soap-bubbles?
Just yesterday it appeared the batteries died so I charged it overnight and it only worked while still plugged in. I charged it for another 24 hours with the same results. I bought new batteries today; we’ll see if that helps.
Sorry, but I don’t understand the need for one as a home inspector.
If there is a gas leak of any note it’s obvious due to the chemical added to the natural gas.
If you smell that then you defer to the gas company/ gasfitter ASAP.
Sometimes a gas smell is present when the furnace ignites; your nose also can’t pinpoint the exact location; also, the seller normally fixes it if they know for certainty that you found a leak instead of saying “I smelled gas; you probably have a leak.”
Bought the UEI one about 8 months ago. Wish I had not. It’s a good detector but the tip is not sturdy enough. Be extra careful with it as the plastic cap will get knocked off easily. I lost my cap a few times and popped it back on. A couple of weeks ago the cap fell off in an attic and I could not find it. So I went for a short time until the sensor on the tip stop functioning. Must have hit it something. Anyway the thing does not work at all now.
Shelled out some $ for this one. http://www.amazon.com/Inficon-718-202-G1-Mate-Combustible-Detector/dp/B00063YQEC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1401506830&sr=8-3&keywords=gas+leak+detectors
Takin a chance on it with only 4 reviews. Definitely stay away from the UEI.
jdeoliveira2
(John Paul de Oliveira, GB-2 #86934 / AB #44580)
14
I use the UEi CD100a as well. If anything, it’s too sensitive, it easily finds the exact location. The tip cover has fallen off is the one bad mark so far.
jdeoliveira2
(John Paul de Oliveira, GB-2 #86934 / AB #44580)
15
Thanks for the tip Richard, just read your post. I will lightly duct tape it or or something.
You can take Gas Leak Detector for Natural, Liquid Propane, Butane and Methane Gas Detection from brass craft. I have used it in my home and must say it is really good and danger free.
The advantage of the meter is you can take a picture. Your not saying I think I smell gass… I also carry really small spray bottles, one with soap water to visually show gas leak. I also have one with glass cleaner just in case something needs cleaning, and one with bleach for water quality testing.
You can take Gas Leak Detector for Natural, Liquid Propane, Butane and Methane Gas Detection from brass craft. I have used it in my home and must say it is really good and danger free.