When is a piping system required to be leak-tested?

A piping system is required to be leak-tested immediately after gas is put into a new system or after an interruption of service to ensure there are no leaks that could pose safety hazards. This requirement is critical because it establishes that the entire piping system is intact and that all connections are secure before the gas is allowed to flow. Such tests are vital to prevent accidents that can arise from undetected gas leaks, which can lead to fire hazards or explosions.

Conducting a leak test after a major repair is essential, but it is specifically the initial fill of a new system or a significant service interruption that mandates testing to verify the integrity of the entire system under operational conditions. The emphasis is placed on safety protocols that must be followed to guarantee that the system is safe to operate, thus it is imperative that a thorough leak test is completed under these circumstances before the system is considered ready for use.