How do you test if you have a ventilation leak?

It is very easy to tell if there is a water leak, especially if your system is under pressure (such as your water main), but is isn't clear how to test for leaks after doing ventilation work.

I just redid some ventilation work for my dryer (gas), but don't know to test if there are any leaks. What is the proper method for testing this? Also, I know nothing about what comes out of a dryer vent, is it dangerous (if leaking)?

There are two easy methods to test your venting, the first would be a gas sniffer the second and my personal favorite is a carbon monoxide detector.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095XMZE2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

The above link is the one I use, but I got it for half that price at a heating wholesaler. It's very nice for showing issues and very accurate.

Fusion916 said:

It is very easy to tell if there is a water leak, especially if your system is under pressure (such as your water main), but is isn't clear how to test for leaks after doing ventilation work.

I just redid some ventilation work for my dryer (gas), but don't know to test if there are any leaks. What is the proper method for testing this? Also, I know nothing about what comes out of a dryer vent, is it dangerous (if leaking)?

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Yes, any gas combustion puts off carbon monoxide. Dryer vents should be connected with out screws, you can put chrome tape around every joint.

Thanks for the info guys, I will have to look into getting this.

Another question about the static wall mount CO detectors. I'm looking to also get one of those in my basement where my dryer/HVAC/water heater is with all of the ventilation there, will a single wall mount unit detect CO in the whole area? Or do I need multiple detectors per x square feet? My basement is fairly big, thats why I ask.

Depends on what the minimum count for your detector is, I have seen some from K-mart beep at 250ppm others beep at 50ppm. Mine shows me exactly how much is leaking, realistically you shouldn't have to test it. If your venting has holes or rust replace it.

I would installed the CO detector in the hallway close to the bedrooms about 6ft off the floor. When buying a CO detector check the sensor life. Most consumers is not aware that CO detector sensor can go bad. If the unit says the sensor last the life of the unit ,I still would replace the detector every 3 to 5 years.

IFIXH20 said:

I would installed the CO detector in the hallway close to the bedrooms about 6ft off the floor. When buying a CO detector check the sensor life. Most consumers is not aware that CO detector sensor can go bad. If the unit says the sensor last the life of the unit ,I still would replace the detector every 3 to 5 years.

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The bedroom is on the other side of the basement where there no ventilation, far away from the dyer, hvac, and hot water heater.

Would it useful to put the CO detector so far away? Like I said, my basement is pretty big.

Carbon Monoxide gets distributed through out the home by the furnace or air handler blower motor which circulate the air in our homes. I've heard of many storys of deaths due to CO detectors placed in basement and they didn't hear it going off. I have also been out on calls because the CO detector was placed to close to the equipment and going off due to a very cold windy day causing a down draft in the flue before the flue gets nice and hot and start drawing properly. If it makes you feel better put one in the basement and one close to the bedrooms.