Plumbing and pressure test

[Vimal]

Hi,

I am at a plumbing stage in my home construction. The plumber has laid all the pipes with concealed parts. It is ready for plastering now. I remember reading in the forum that pressure test will be required so as to avoid any leaks later. However, my plumber says it is not done nowadays as the pipes used are not GI. With GI pipes, joints are not glued as in CPVC hence chances of leaks with CPVC pipe is almost nil. Is my plumber correct ?

Also, he told me he could not find anyone renting a pressure pump to test the pipe lines.

Thanks
Vimal

[blrsiteseeker]

I finished my house in Jan 2012. Without even requesting, our plumber had done the pressure test - called us to witness the test. So I am not sure why your's says it is not necessary.

[parkom]

Pressure testing is conducted for pipelines whether they are screwed, welded or glued. This ensures that all joints (pipe to pipe, and between intermediate valves) are leak tight. You certainly don't want water leakage / seepage at a later stage (depending on whether the leak happens oin the concealed lines or exposed). The right way to do this is to put in a pressure (typically 1.5 times the working pressure expected in the lines) inspect it, leave it for 24 hours and inspect again to ensure that there is no fall in pressure level.

[Vimal]

Thanks all for your reply.

blrsiteseeker, I sent a PM. Please check.

[tech4pk]

But, many plumbers now-a-days are not doing this pressure test. As mentioned by OP, plumbers claim that they don't need to do this now due to the type of materials that they are using now. Even, my house is in the completion stage and this pressure test is not done.

[m3_07]

If you have a borewell connection, pressure test can be carried out without additional motor rentals.

[sam_m400]

How do we do the pressure test? Is is Plumbing water at pressure with a motor or just store the water normally for 24 hours?

[ardesarchitects]

Hi ,
Pressure test is generally recommended and must in case of your pressure pump.You get a manual pressure pump works like a cycle air pump .This machine sends little amount of water with high air pressure at 3psl and left for 24 hours so you can see moisture formations in the joints if any.

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior Designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com

[sholla]

My plumber has laid the concealed portions of the plumbing lines.
As expected he is now saying that the pressure test cannot be done
because he cannot find somebody to rent the pump.
If any of you have any pointers I can followup.Or if you know
somebody who can do it for a fee, I can then invite my plumber
to attend it.

[Vimal]

Same here. My previous plumber did not do the pressure test and while I was searching for one he quit the job. I started to search for a plumber since then