Comments on: About New Home Plumbing Installation: How are water supply and drain systems tested for leaks before use?

By: adam/penny

adam/penny — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:03:58 +0000

they leak water.

By: sensible_man

sensible_man — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:30:47 +0000

Most drainage piping is tested with “head pressure”. All openings are plugged and the main stack is filled with water to the area specs (usually at least 8′) When the inspector arrives, he watches the level for 5 or 10 minutes for approval. Water supply lines are tested with air and a gauge. Most plumbers are too busy to try to “fix” the tests so the inspector arrives when he is not there and passes or rejects the test. Compressed air is usually used to detect any leaks. I have always set up the test early in the day so I can tell if there is a problem rather than paying to have the system reinspected.

By: M M

M M — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 01:25:47 +0000

In our area, the supply lines are simply “charged” with water and checked for leaks. Drain lines are air tested; 5 lbs. for 10 min. You install test balls in each end of the drain and pump them up. I think it varies from town to town.

By: homeinspector_4u

homeinspector_4u — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:38:53 +0000

For the drain sys. a plug is placed in the line somewhere near the end of the sys. Then the sys. is filled with water. The time frame differs from place to place & inspector preferance. After the set time if there has not been a significant drop in the water level, it is determined the sys. is water tight.
For the supply side, caps are installed at the end of all the pipe runs with a pressure indicator at the end of the run. Again at the end of a set time if there is no sig. pressure drop the sys. is determined to be water tight.

By: mcmdcak

mcmdcak — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:50:18 +0000

Inspectors require either Water pressurized or Compressed air with a guage (to see if it drops, indicating a leak).