What is the typical method for checking for gas leaks?

Applying soapy water to suspect joints is the standard method for checking for gas leaks because it creates bubbles when it comes into contact with escaping gas. This allows for a visual confirmation of a leak, making it easy to spot small escaping gas that may not be audible or detectable in other ways. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, as it does not require any special equipment and can be performed easily in residential or commercial settings.

While listening for hissing sounds is a technique some may use, it is not always reliable, as many leaks can be too small to be audible. Using a digital sound meter is more advanced and typically used for specific applications, rather than general leak detection. Feeling for a breeze near pipes can be misleading and is not a dependable method since air movement can come from many sources unrelated to gas leaks. Overall, the application of soapy water stands out as the most reliable and widely accepted practice in the industry for detecting gas leaks.