Why Perform a Pressure Test?
Leaking drains is a major cause of subsidence. Leaks often result from defective pipe joints or couplings, which may be seen by CCTV. For this problem, hydraulic leak testing is the only way to know for certain whether or not a drain is watertight.
High Pressure Water Test
After necessary preparations, such as backfilling, curing, and/or expelling air, the process begins. Each section of pipe to be tested is filled with water and the specified test pressure shall be applied for a set time (generally 200 psi for 2 hours). This test can find cracked or defective pipes, fitting, valves or hydrants. The line passes if the leakage observed does not go over the allowable amount. A report is provided with our test results.
Low Pressure Air Test
Once we isolate the section to be tested, we pressurize it with air and our operator monitors the gauge to note any pressure drops. The air test itself lasts less than 20 minutes. The line passes if the pressure does not go over the allowable. All sanitary sewer gravity mains are required to pass a low pressure air test. Since you have to do this, why not have ABC Pipe Cleaning Services do it for you!