A tightness test of pipework must be carried out immediately prior to any purge admitting fuel gas. Every new and modified installation must be purged after passing the tightness test when being connected to a gas supply.

How often is a gas tightness test required?

Whilst there is no actual requirement for routine gas tightness tests to be carried out, annual gas safety inspection tests do need to be carried out on commercial properties. Annual industry safety tests would include testing flues and gas appliances to ensure that safety requirements are met.

What is the test pressure for a tightness test?

For an operating pressure of 21 mbar, the tightness test pressure is between 20 and 21 mbar. If the pressure rises above 23 mbar, the pressure must be reduced to 7–10 mbar to release the locked-up regulator. The stabilisation period is one minute.