A gas tightness test is a mandatory pressure check carried out after an indoor natural gas installation is completed and before gas is actually turned on, to prove that no leaks exist in the pipework or connection points. This guide explains the logic behind the test, the rules it is based on, and how it fits into the approval process run by Enerya Antalya, the natural gas distribution company serving Antalya.
Why Is a Tightness Test Necessary?
Natural gas is a flammable gas carried under pressure through pipework. Even a small connection error or a weld defect can turn into a gas leak over time. A tightness test lets the installer find and fix such defects before the installation is put into use, meaning before anyone is actually living with gas flowing through the pipes. For this reason, the test is not an optional check; it is a mandatory step that must be passed before gas is turned on.
Which Rules Govern It?
In Turkey, the design and execution of indoor natural gas installations follows the TS 7363 standard, "Natural Gas (Indoor) Installations Design and Application Rules". This standard sets out general rules for piping, material selection and testing. In practice, this standard is implemented through the technical specification and installation guidance issued by the local distribution company, which in Antalya is Enerya Antalya; certified installation companies prepare their projects according to these rules and submit them for the distributor's approval.
How Does the Test Process Work?
According to the subscription process information published by Enerya Antalya, the indoor installation stage includes the following steps:
- Drawing up the installation project and having it approved by the distribution company,
- Building the natural gas installation according to the approved project and safe gas use rules,
- Installing the appliance (such as a combi boiler or hob) and having the installation inspected by the distribution company,
- Obtaining the certificate of compliance from the distribution company,
- Only after that certificate is issued, signing the gas usage contract and having the meter fitted and gas supplied.
The tightness test is an integral part of the "checking the installation against the approved project and safe gas use rules" step above: before the pipework is opened to actual gas flow, the certified company pressurises the line with air or an inert gas to a set level and demonstrates that this pressure does not drop over a defined holding period, proving there is no leak. The test pressure and holding time are set project by project according to TS 7363 principles and the distributor's technical specification, based on the pipe diameter and length of each specific installation; rather than a single figure applying to every case, the correct value is determined by the distribution company's technical team when it approves the project.
If the test passes, the distribution company inspects the installation, issues the certificate of compliance, and gas is supplied. If it fails, the source of the leak, most often a fitting, valve or weld joint, is located and repaired, and the test is repeated; gas is never supplied until the result is acceptable.
Who Is Allowed to Perform the Test?
A gas tightness test must be carried out by an installation company holding an "Indoor Installation and Service Lines Certificate" issued by the distribution company. Work carried out by an uncertified team will not be approved by the distributor and gas will not be supplied, which is why it matters to confirm a contractor's certification status before hiring them.
Is It Only Needed for New Installations?
A tightness test is most visible during a new subscription and installation process, but the tightness of the gas line and connection points in an existing installation should also be checked by a licensed technician during boiler maintenance or repair visits. In particular, Antalya's coastal humidity and salty air can gradually affect the tightness of connection fittings located near outdoor areas through corrosion, which is why this check is recommended as part of routine boiler maintenance as well.
If You Smell Gas
Even though a tightness test secures the installation before gas is first supplied, later damage or wear can still cause a leak and a gas smell. If this happens, without touching any electrical switch or flame source, close the gas valve, ventilate the space, leave the building, and call Enerya Antalya's emergency line, 187, from outside. Never attempt to intervene in the installation yourself.
Certified Installations With Devka Doğalgaz
As part of its natural gas installation service in Antalya, Devka Doğalgaz manages every step from project drawing and the tightness test to following up the distributor's approval and the final gas turn-on; for multi-storey buildings, gas riser and building installation is also part of our services. You can find the full subscription process on our subscription process page. For questions, call us at 0553 028 82 80 or reach us through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can gas be turned on without a tightness test?
No. The distribution company will not supply gas or issue a certificate of compliance until the installation has been checked and confirmed to match the approved project and safe gas use rules; the tightness test is a core part of that check.
Who performs the tightness test?
The test is carried out by an installation company certified by the local gas distribution company (Enerya Antalya in Antalya), and the result is subject to the distributor's own inspection and approval.
What test pressure and duration are used?
The test pressure and holding time are set according to TS 7363 principles and the distribution company's technical specifications, based on the size and layout of each specific installation; there is no single figure that applies to every project.
What happens if a leak is found during the test?
The certified company locates the source of the leak, usually a connection fitting or weld joint, repairs it, and repeats the test until the result is acceptable. Gas is never supplied to an installation that fails the test.
Do existing buildings need periodic tightness checks too?
Beyond the test done during a new installation and subscription process, the tightness of the gas line and connection points in existing installations should also be checked by a licensed technician during boiler maintenance visits; any suspected leak should be reported to the distribution company immediately.
