What is a critical condition that gas piping must meet before being covered?

For gas piping installations, ensuring safety and integrity is paramount. Before any gas piping can be covered or enclosed, it must undergo a leak test. This process is essential because undetected leaks pose significant safety hazards, including the risk of explosions, fires, or poisoning from gas accumulation.

Testing for leaks involves pressurizing the system and monitoring it for pressure drops, which would indicate that gas is escaping somewhere in the piping system. This step guarantees that the system is airtight before it is sealed away from view. If leaks are present when the piping is covered, they may go unnoticed, leading to severe safety issues.

While the other conditions mentioned are important aspects of gas piping installation, they do not represent a critical prerequisite for covering the piping. Painting may help prevent corrosion, adjusting for pressure levels is necessary for proper function, and insulation can help maintain temperature; however, none of these address the immediate safety concern posed by leaks in the system.