Installation Guide

Table Of Contents

Installation Practices

Step 8 Fitting is installed

The tting is now fully installed and

ready for use. Note nut position relative

to the ange on the central body.

Check for system leaks prior to backlling.

WARNING! Improper installation or operation of the system may result in

ﬁre, explosion, or asphyxiation. Only the components provided or speciﬁed

by Valencia Pipe Company for use with HOME-FLEX Underground® or as

part of the fuel gas system are to be used in the installation.

4.4 Pressure and Leak Testing

The HOME-FLEX Underground® gas piping system must be pressure tested for leaks in

accordance with all local codes. The system must pass the pressure / leak test and have

passed inspection by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before backlling the trench. In

the absence of a specic local code that species the pressure test, refer to the latest edition

of the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54. A copy of this code can be purchased and down-

loaded from: catalog.nfpa.org/NFPA-54-C3324.aspx.

Be sure that the new installation is isolated from any existing piping and the meter or

regulator supply prior to conducting a pressure / leak test. A typical pressure / leak test for

a single family residence might consist of pressurizing the newly installed pipe and tting

system with air to 15 PSI:

• Watch the needle on the pressure gauge for 15 - 30 minutes.

• If there is no detectable loss of pressure, this indicates that the system holds pres-

sure.

NFPA 54 species that the system should be tested at 1.5 times the intended system oper-

ating pressure, but never less than 3 PSI. Long duration pressure / leak tests are not ideal,

because the change of air temperature in the piping system will aect the reading on the

pressure gauge. For each 10°F reduction in air temp, anticipate a 1.9% reduction in air pres-

sure due to the cooling and contraction of the air in the pipe.

Troubleshooting Fitting Assembly and Correcting Leaks

If a leak is detected, check the following:

Step 1 Ensure that all yellow nuts on the tting are tight up against the black body of the

tting. If they are and leak persists, go to step 2.

Step 2 Loosen the yellow nut and remove the pipe from the tting.

a) Examine the inside of the ttings to make sure it is free of dirt or any debris that

will interfere with the outside of the pipe making a seal against the inside of the

tting.

b) Make sure that the outside of the pipe is clean and smooth.

c) Reassemble the pipe into the tting follow the assembly instructions and check

for leaks.