California ICC UST Service Technician Practice Exam

Are line leak detectors required on suction piping?

1. Yes, on all types of piping

2. No, they are not required on suction piping

3. Only when using double wall tanks

4. Only if they are older than a certain age

The correct answer is: No, they are not required on suction piping

Line leak detectors are specifically not required on suction piping systems. This is due to the inherent design and operational characteristics of suction systems, which operate under a negative pressure. In such systems, the liquid is drawn into the piping by the suction created from the pump. Since any leaks in the suction lines typically indicate product loss directly into the surrounding area rather than allowing it to escape into the environment, the risk factors and regulatory requirements differ from those applicable to pressure piping. Other systems, such as pressurized piping, are subject to regulations that mandate line leak detection mechanisms because any product leakage poses a significantly heightened risk of environmental contamination due to the positive pressure pushing the product out of any faults in the containment system. Therefore, while line leak detection is crucial in providing safety and compliance for more hazardous systems, it is not applicable in the context of suction piping, reinforcing why the answer is that they are not required.