Soapy bubbles indicate a potential leak in pressurized lines. Leak-detection soap is useful for detecting leaks in pressurized lines or pipes, such as gas lines, water lines (PVC or copper), fuel lines, and even tires. Leak detection is necessary any time new pipes or lines are run or replaced to make sure the pressurized material--whether it is water, liquids, gas, oil, or air--will not leak at joints or breaks. A basic soap solution is sprayed or applied to the lines at joints or areas that show a potential leak, then watched for signs of soap bubbles indicating a leak that needs repair.
Difficulty:
Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Measuring cup
2 to 10 oz. liquid dishwashing detergent
2 oz. corn syrup or glycerin
1-gallon jug of water
2-gallon sprayer
Plastic tray
Paintbrush
1
Open a 2-gallon sprayer and add 1 gallon of water into the reservoir. Measure at least 2 oz. of liquid dishwashing detergent and add it to the water.
2
Measure 2 oz. of glycerin in a measuring cup and add it to to the solution in the sprayer, then mix the solution with a stick.
3
Pour some of the mixed soap solution into a plastic tray and set it aside. Replace the cap on the reservoir, then give the sprayer a few pumps to prime it with the soap solution.
4
Spray the soapy solution on the areas of the line or pipe that require leak detection, or use a paint brush to apply the soap solution from the tray.
Tips & Warnings
If you need more soapiness or a thicker solution, add up to 10 oz. of liquid dishwashing detergent.
Adding corn syrup or glycerin to the leak detection soap lowers the rate of evaporation so the bubbles last longer at higher temperatures (over 80 degrees Fahrenheit), and increases the solution's viscosity so it will drip less when applied.
Substitute a -25 F or more windshield-washer solution for water in the soap solution for use in freezing temperatures.
Local, state, or federal building or construction laws may require lines pressurized or tested for leaks before being put into service.
Some industries require specialized, commercially-made leak detection solutions in order to meet legal leak detection requirements.
ah-ha... i will try adding the c.s or gly instead of just more soap next time and see what happens... thanks
Sugar will do the same trick that is a kids party recipe for bubbles believe it or not my grandmother would do that for our parties and that was a long time ago lol
good luck
Wally World sells the kids bubble stuff in huge bottles.
I use something that is Blue -- it will hang on a joint or connection and just gradually foam up to show a place where there is a very slow leak.
Usually available from refrigeration or plumbing supply houses.
HTH
Melbo
yeah... but u gotta pay for it..... ;D
and you don't pay for the dish soap etc????
gotta sign me up for that shopping experience.
;-)
Melbo
I don't pay for soap... I just "borrow" the soap bottle from my wife when she isn't looking... Sometimes I have to "pay" later.... ;D