How should a homeowner ensure safety when performing a gas leak test?

To ensure safety when performing a gas leak test, using a soap and water mixture is the most effective method. This mixture creates bubbles at the site of a gas leak. When gas escapes from a fitting or a connection, it will pass through the soap solution, causing visible bubbles to form. This visual indication allows the homeowner to pinpoint the exact location of the leak without the risks associated with other detection methods.

Employing only water would not provide this clear visibility, as it would not create bubbles to show any leaking gas. Using a match or any flame introduces a serious safety hazard, as igniting gas can result in fire or explosion. Inhaling gas for detection is exceedingly dangerous and poses significant health risks, along with the potential of suffocation from the inhalation of propane or other flammable gases.

Thus, the use of a soap and water mixture stands out as a safe, reliable, and straightforward method for identifying gas leaks in various applications involving gas appliances or pipelines.