Gas Leak in Cooktops and Ovens

Natural gas, used to fuel your cooking appliances, is colorless and odorless as it occurs naturally. Mercaptan, which is a pungent smelling chemical is added to natural gas during the process of refining to give it a characteristic odor for the purposes of safety. All leaks have the potential to be dangerous, however not every leak produces sufficient gas to  be detected with the human olfactory senses. The quantity of gas that is released from many small leaks is rapidly dispersed into the ambient air before the odor can be detected by a human. As a consequence, it is a good idea to periodically test your gas appliances for leaks.

If you suspect you have a gas leak in your oven or cooktop, or if you would just like to have this appliance checked for leaks by a professional, get in touch with Gas Leak Detectors Melbourne. They are experts at detecting and repairing all types of gas leaks, and they are readily available to assist you in an emergency.

Here are some of the techniques that are often employed in order to located oven and cooktop gas leaks.

Bubble Test

Prior to the creation and widespread use of complex electronic gas leak detectors, technicians used the bubble test to detect gas leaks. At first, these bubble tests just consisted of a simple solution of water and soap. Today, the same concept is still used at times. However, today there are test solutions that are prepared commercially that have a more consistent performance, since these solutions are designed to adhere to fittings, valves, and pipes much better than the simple solutions of soap and water. These solutions are often available at stores that sell appliance parts or home centuries and they are still used at times by professionals. These solutions are sprayed or brushed onto valves, fittings, and pipes.

Electronic Gas Leak Detectors

Most electronic versions of leak detectors are fairly costly, but there are some lower cost devices that can be purchased at appliance part stores. These leak detectors are capable of detecting methane gas at a concentration that is as low as 20 PPM. Most of these detectors have an audible alarm, LCD readout, and a probe that is attached to a cable in order to get to pipes and valves that are not easily accessible.

Where To Test For Leaks

Initially, we test the flexible pipe that connects your gas cooking appliance to a valve on a gas line that runs into your kitchen. This flexible pipe may develop leaks with age. The entire flexible pipe will be coated with leak detection solution and the electronic detector will also be used to pinpoint leaks. In addition, the valve to which it connects will be checked for leaks. We will also test all of the control valves that are used in the oven, broiler, and top burners. Valves that are controlled by a thermostat must also be checked. The oven and broiler operate with a valve that is thermostatically controlled. If your oven is an older model, it may have a pilot light, that will also be tested for leaks.

What If You Suspect A Leak?

If you suspect that you have a leak in your oven or cooktop appliance, you should first close the gas valve to which your flexible pipe is connected. Then, contact the professionals at Gas Leak Detectors Melbourne in order to pinpoint the source of your leak and rectify the problem. Gas Leak Detectors will pinpoint exactly where the leak is located and replace the flex pipe, thermostat controlled valves, internal piping, or burner control valves as necessary.

Gas leaks can be dangerous and repairing gas leaks in a manner that will ensure that no small leaks remain requires the expertise of a trained professional. If you suspect that a leak is present in your kitchen appliance, contact Gas Leak Detectors for immediate service.

Testimonials

‘Very pleased with the outcome you took all the stress away in just one hour. Thanks for your help boys. I will recommend you to all my friends’
- Jennifer Robinson

Thank you for finding the leak for me in my hot water system don’t know what I would have done without your help. Very pleased with your service.
- Michael Peters