Testing new Plumbing

I'm in the process of a second story addition. I had a friend of a friend- Licensed Plumber stop by and give me tips on what I needed to do - as far as layout-permit-codes and basic pointers.

Anyway- I'm going to have him back over this weekend to check out before the inspection. I like inspections to go smoothly. (Although HVAC inspection was a joke- inspector didn't even climb up the ladder to check the unit!!!)

The guys that ran all the new gas lines for me- gave me a meter for the Gas line inspection. Hold 20psi for 20 minutes.

I thought-what a great idea-use a reducer on the meter - a female on the ¾ copper and I'd be able to check if it holds air- which is a LOT easier to clean up than water.

If it holds air- it should hold water... What pressure should I take it to-and how long should I check it for?

Thanks-

Richard

I'd call the inspector and ask what he wants, it may be differant than my area.

My area (for waterlines) would be a water pressure test of the working pressure or, an air test of 50PSI for at least 15 min. I would not air test any plastic piping.

For drain lines, It would be a 10ft. head of water or with air, 5PSI for 15 min. air test is not recommended with any plastic pipe.

Here we test copper waterlines at 100psi for 15 minutes and drainage (PVC or CI in most cases here) at 5psi also for 15 minutes.

Just a question: do you folks typically include the water heater tank when pressure testing with air?

test

It is usually not on the job yet at that point in the construction.

Thanks guys- I went ahead and ran it up to 100+ PSI and checked after about twenty minutes- the had meter moved slightly down-about a couple psi (when I did both hot and cold) so I'm think I'm ok.

I have to say I owe a lot to this forum and the discussion on solder.

https://terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14183

Using the Oatey 95-that really helps for some good flowing solder.

Richard