How to test DWV for leaks without septic?

I've heard that DWV needs to be tested by filling up the system through a roof vent.

Qustion 1 - Septic won't be installed until spring...drywall needs to go on sometime in February. How do I test the drain/vent piping? Is their a product that will cap a 4" pipe and connect to a garden hose?

Question 2 - How do I plug the laundry box temporarily? What about shower drains and toilet flanges.

this site has everything you would need.
http://www.cherneind.com/


as for a cap that would allow a garden hose hook up, I'd run the hose to the roof vent(s).

tuolumne said:

I've heard that DWV needs to be tested by filling up the system through a roof vent.

Qustion 1 - Septic won't be installed until spring...drywall needs to go on sometime in February. How do I test the drain/vent piping? Is their a product that will cap a 4" pipe and connect to a garden hose?

Question 2 - How do I plug the laundry box temporarily? What about shower drains and toilet flanges.

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Is this being inspected? If it isn't don't bother doing it. If it is ask the inspector if this is necessary. Typically it's only required on new construction.

To test it you fill it with water and check for leaks. You typically want to do this before any finish work as if a fitting blows out you're going to have a lot of water coming out.
You have to make a reducer to do it. Do something like a 4x2 PVC bushing then a 2 x 3/4IPS bushing. You can thread a hose bib onto that (be careful not to over tighten it as the plastic can crack). Attach it to your waste line before the house trap with a no hub clamp so you can easially remove it.

Typically the test is done before the flange, shower drains, laundry boxes, etc are installed. You cap off the pipe close to where those are going to be and test. If the stuff is already installed you can use test balls which are basically balloons you put in the drain then inflate.

I use compressed air to test all my supply lines. Can this be used on the DWV side also? If so, what would be a reasonable test pressure?

Hello,

I'm not sure of the configuration of your laundry box, but I was able to use a small test ball to plug mine. Granted, I'm now the proud owner of about $150 in test balls and test plugs that I do not plan to ever use again (I'm thinking of donating them to my local community college).

One trap I fell into was not to check a real plumbing store. The big box retailers do not have the same selection in my area.

I found a few leaks when I fill tested that I did not find by just running water. My inspector has insisted that the system be filled when he visits. Illinois Plumbing code has a blurb that says this can be required by the inspector if he suspects issues. I really feel like he did me a favor requiring that he see the test. I would not have been this thorough.

Steve