Castle Shannon & Brookline: How to Pass a Columbia Gas Pressure Test the First Time
Why Columbia Gas Requires a Pressure Test
When Columbia Gas shuts off service due to a leak or meter replacement, your gas system must pass a certified pressure test before the meter can be turned back on. This ensures the gas piping inside and outside your home is airtight, safe, and code compliant.
For homeowners in Castle Shannon and Brookline, this step is especially important — many homes in these neighborhoods still rely on older black iron or steel lines that can lose pressure over time. At Steel City Natural Gas, we handle pressure testing, leak repair, and full service line replacement to help you pass inspection the first time.
What Happens During a Pressure Test
- System Preparation — We disconnect the gas meter and seal the system to prepare for testing.
- Pressurization — The line is filled with air at a specific PSI (set by code or utility requirements).
- Hold Time — The pressure is monitored for any drop — typically over 15 to 30 minutes.
- Certification — Once the system holds, we document the results and submit them to Columbia Gas for service restoration.
If the system fails to hold pressure, our team pinpoints the leak using detection equipment and performs the necessary repairs before retesting.
Common Reasons a Test Fails
- Hidden leaks in old threaded joints or fittings
- Corrosion from moisture or soil exposure
- Uncapped or disconnected appliance lines
- Improper sealant or damaged shutoff valves
These issues are common in older South Hills homes, but they’re easily resolved by a certified gas technician who understands the local inspection process.
Certified Technicians Who Know the Process
As a licensed gas contractor serving Castle Shannon, Brookline, and the South Hills area, Steel City Natural Gas knows what local inspectors look for. Our team performs every test to code and provides the signed documentation Columbia Gas requires before restoring your meter.
Don’t risk a failed inspection or additional delays. Call 412-206-9649 or request your pressure test online today. We’ll make sure your system passes the first time.