DWV Fill Test Question

Seaneys

Seaneys

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I am almost done with the DWV plumbing on a 3.5 Bath addition. It has been a real learning experience...

The inspector has suggested that I do a thorough fill test. This is good advice, because I've found a few leaks (I really should learn to be patient).

I've tested as much as I can, but can not figure out how to plug the offset toilet flange and shower drain. Are there caps that I can install over drains and offset toilet flanges?

Thanks,
Steve
 
Look inot test balls and test plugs...
Test balls go into the pipes and are inflated to 30-40psi...
Test plugs are sometimes called dollar plugs...
 
Test plugs & test balls should do it.
Looks like I got whumped by a nano second!
 
Last edited:
I too use test balls, but if possible I try to use air for a pressure test of DWV systems because if you have a leak or one of those test balls it not tight enough you make a big water mess. There is a lot of water in the system when it is full up to the roof vent and a test ball that leaks and blows out of a three inch toilet flange is... well a way to ruin your day. Ask the inspector about air.
 
I have always been able to hear them to narrow it down and use soap to find. I always use flanges with caps and glue caps on every thing else and use the test ball to plug the main line only on new work and to separate the new from the old on remodels. I use primer and glue good square cuts and have only had one leak in a tested pipe, and I heard it.
 
Hello,

I've been using the test balls land test plugs. The one place I can figure out is an offset toilet flange. I can use test plugs with the normal toilet flange. I do not see a solution for the offset toilet flange..

Thanks,
Steve
 
My test balls have a chain and a hose, you shove it down the pipe and pump it up. It will fit down a offset flange.
 
I'm with HJ on this, I use water, but also put a guage down as low as possible to see if there's any drop over time in the event water is weeping somewhere hard to see..
On remodels with finished ceilings/walls most inspectors I know will let me do a running test.
Operative phrase: "inspectors that I know".
 
Even on remodels they tell us water runs down gas comes up so they want pressure, I can understand that I guess. I wish I knew Grumpy's inspector too.
 
construct30 said:
Even on remodels they tell us water runs down gas comes up so they want pressure, I can understand that I guess. I wish I knew Grumpy's inspector too.
Click to expand...

Not just one...once you get to know some inspectors, they know to trust your work enough to at least see the drain in use.
Mind you, thats not all inspectors...when it gets to the point that you'd have to remove toilets & traps to plug for a test, most have a little common sense...especially on older homes, the liability for leaks under pressure for existing concealed drains is a bit scary.
 
We only have to test the new work. We put a tee where we tie on and shove a test ball in there and test what we did new.
 
construct30 said:
We use a CO in the open, but a tee or wye and cap if not accessable. Mostly connections are open if at all possible.
Click to expand...

Our code won't allow dead ends on drainage, picture a 3 year old flushing a comb...it cocks and lodges into the tee-wye, a twig from a tree falling into the vtr could do othe same..
I'm starting to feel like I'm making excuses, but it's true...no dead ends at all on drains in our code.
 
I agree with the concept too of no dead ends, but they seem to think the test for leaks is more important. Like I said I think I've only had once that I had to put the cap. Maybe I could complain and get them to for go the test too, but my luck they would make me test and then make the connection anyway. We only have to have additions and larger things inspected, but they add to the list every once and a while.
 
In lieu of your mention of tests only on larger jobs, I can understand why inspectors there might be a bit more trigger happy...also with the whole licensing situation there as well.
Here it's like another face in the crowd, inspectors are usually too tight for time to overly scrutinize a familiar plumbers work.
I can respect your inspectors rationale, in fact I bet you do too.
 
Hello,

Thanks a ton. I had not noticed the test balls with chains. I've creatively inserted a large number of test tees. I can still access them, but it would have saved the myriad of connections.

I asked about alternatives at a big box store yesterday. Unfortunately the retired plumber was not working.. I was stuck with one of the generic staff.

Thanks a ton!
Steve
 
BTW - My inspector has insisted that I have as much of the system filled as reasonably possible when he visits. Seems like he is really trying to help me out. I have found 2 leaks through fill testing that I would never have found by simply running water,,
 
What has me confused...Chicago doesn't require a license to do plumbing?
Your inspector is smart to require that you fill the system, it could save you major headaches down the road.
There are a plethora of simple mistakes that could be missed without experience.
 
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