【🌊 What is a Water Pipe Pressure Test? 🌊】

【🌊 What is a Water Pipe Pressure Test？ 🌊】

A water pipe pressure test (commonly known in the industry as a “pressure test”) is a crucial inspection conducted on water supply pipes. It is typically performed when newly installed pipes are embedded in walls or underground (known as “concealed piping” in the industry). 🔧 The test is carried out while the pipes are still exposed, before being covered with cement, tiles, or flooring, to check for leaks.

During the test, a pressure pump is manually connected to increase the water pressure inside the pipes to 1.5 times the normal operating pressure. The valves are then closed, and the system is monitored for at least one hour. ⏳ At the end of the test, the pressure gauge is checked for any significant drops, ensuring that the newly installed pipes are securely connected and free from leaks. ✅

Q&A

❓ Why should the test be conducted while the pipes are exposed?
If leaks or pressure drops are detected at this stage, the source of the leak can be identified and repaired immediately. 🔍 In contrast, if the pipes are tested only after being covered with cement, tiles, or flooring, locating and fixing leaks becomes much more difficult.

❓ Why should the pressure test last for at least one hour?
The accuracy of a pressure test is closely related to its duration. The longer the test (minimum one hour), the lower the chance of undetected leaks. Responsible technicians often extend the test to at least four hours, or even overnight (8 hours), to ensure complete leak prevention. 🛠️

If we are handling the renovation project, we will invite the homeowner to inspect the pipe installation and review the pressure test results.

Simple Method to Check for Water Leaks at Home

1️⃣ Ensure all taps in the house are tightly closed.
2️⃣ Locate your water meter and record the reading on the far-right digit.
3️⃣ Wait for ten minutes, then check if the meter reading has changed.
4️⃣ If the meter moves, there may be a leak—hire a licensed plumber for inspection and repairs. 🔧

📌 Tip: The longer the test duration (minimum one hour), the lower the risk of undetected leaks. If possible, conduct this test while the entire household is away and check the meter reading upon return. We recommend taking a photo of the reading for accurate comparison. 📸

⚠️ For pressures above 5 bar, a pressure regulator is recommended.