How to Fix a Gas Leak in Your Commercial Kitchen

Gas leaks are shockingly high on the list of potential dangers to the inhabitants of the UK. Millions are at risk.

This danger extends to businesses (especially commercial kitchens). Gas is a preferred method of cooking but comes with dangers such as carbon monoxide poisoning, fire hazards, and exposure to toxins.

Gas burners are genuinely safe but there’s always a risk. Faulty burners, extinguished pilot lights and breaks in the lines causing gas leaks place workers and patrons at risk at the business establishment.

In this article, you will learn how to fix a gas leak by finding the signs of a leak and how to repair the fault points.

How to Fix a Gas Leak: Step-by-Step

Before you begin: TURN OFF THE GAS.

Discharge yourself of any static electricity by touching a metal surface. Likewise, remove any items that may cause a spark or flame when working around the gas lines and burners.

Identifying the Leaks

To proceed with how to fix a gas leak you must first identify the source of the problem — there are two ways this is done:

• Bubble test – Use a mixture of soap and water along the pipes, valves, and fittings and watch for bubbling
• Electronic detectors – Scan the area using the tester and make marks in the areas where the detector beeps and lights up

Work your way from the burner, scanning along the lines, up to the source of the gas. Gas leaks aren’t always big so don’t rely on odour alone. Use the tools.

How to Fix a Gas Leak

Reminder: TURN OFF THE GAS BEFORE YOU BEGIN.

Step 1: Pull the unit

Pull the range away from the wall, carefully, to prevent tension on the gas lines to the unit. This is a good time to remove the covers preventing access to the gas lines.

Step 2: Identify the leaks

Use the above methods of identifying gas leaks starting with the unit and scanning along the gas lines and source. Consider wearing a gas mask to prevent inhaling the gas during the fix.

Step 3: Detach and release gas pressure

Remove the gas lines from the regulator and “bleed out” the lines of any remaining gas found in the line. Clean the line and further examine the source of the leak.

Step 4: Patch

Use an abrasive pad on the line and apply industry-standard patches to the area.

Step 5: Reinstall

Verify the patch is completed and reattach the line. Check other key points such as the burners & pilot light and gas regulator.

In all honesty…

Hire a Professional (Immediately)

Fixing a gas leak in a commercial kitchen is doable when taking the right precautions. Yet, it’s an intimidating fix considering the potential dangers to the untrained individual.

Detecting a gas leak should immediately lead to an evacuation. This isn’t something you should do on your own!

If the concerns of the gas leak are too unnerving for you then do consider hiring professional services that provide gas leak detection & repair.

Time is of the essence – don’t wait any further if you suspect there are problems in the kitchen. Contact PHS today!