Water Line Pressure Testing

We are often asked why air testing must be done at lower pressures than water testing.
Water line pressure testing. Pressure testing insures the integrity of newly in stalled or repaired water lines valves and hydrants. C229 20 fusion bonded polyethylene coatings for steel water pipe and fittings. Pressure testing with air versus with water. To find leaks a low pressure 30 50 psi air test is just as effective as high pressure 150 psi.
Certified test results for the owner contractor and engineer. Experienced insured personnel in water line testing procedures. For c 900 pvc pipe class 150 the test pressure shall be 225 psi and the test duration shall be four 4 hours. Test a water system without draining it by locating an outdoor or laundry faucet to which you can attach a pressure gauge.
Though it is not required to pass inspection it is advisable to test the pipes for water leaks as well. Deadweight verified hydrostatic water and hydraulic fuel pressure testing of liquid petroleum lines natural gas pipelines water lines loading arms and many other types of piping systems. The purpose of this standard is to provide the minimum requirements for fbpe coating for steel water pipe and fittings including material application inspection testing marking handling and packaging requirements. Pressure testing with air versus pressure testing with water to detect leakage is a common practice in our industry.
Step 2 screw the gauge to the faucet spout open the faucet all the way and turn off the main shutoff valve for the house. Testing water pressure is quick and easy and all you need is a simple and inexpensive pressure gauge. Testing is usually done to awwa specifications at 11 2 times the operating pressures unless otherwise. The leakage test shall be held concurrently with the pressure test.
The test pressure applied to the water main for the leakage test shall be maintained as constant as possible for not less than two 2 hours.