Is there a "consumer" level pressure tester?

I've just run a fairly long hot/cold replacement line in my house. I'd love to test this thing for leaks before I turn on the water. Is there a DIY tester?

Artie said:

I've just run a fairly long hot/cold replacement line in my house. I'd love to test this thing for leaks before I turn on the water. Is there a DIY tester?

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All you need is a gauge..... I'd use a 0-150 gauge. A good one would retail for less than $30. Get a "lazy hand" gauge if you can.

You could test with air, depending upon the material used. You can't test plastic with air but you could with copper. You'd have to isolate your new piping and get an air compressor. Pump it up to 50lbs minimum for 30 min. Some people pump it up to 100lbs just to be sure but unless you're a pro I wouldn't recommend it. Some fittings that were never soldered or glued could hold a test for some time and never blow. I would just turn the water on and have someone stand at the main shutoff and another stand by with a bucket and some towels. Remeber you can't test plastic pipe (cpvc, pex) with air so if you used those materials you're gonna have to do a standard water test.

Artie said:

I've just run a fairly long hot/cold replacement line in my house. I'd love to test this thing for leaks before I turn on the water. Is there a DIY tester?

Click to expand...

I've seen one with two gauges from Toto or Toro. It goes to 13 GPM and up to 160(?) PSI. $30 to $50.

Inspektor Ludwig said:

Remember you can't test plastic pipe (cpvc, pex) with air so if you used those materials you're gonna have to do a standard water test.

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Why can't you test pex pipe with air? Most of new supply plumbing in our area is pex, and the inspection department specifies supply line testing at 100psi.

The prohibition is for CPVC and PVC because either of these can shatter under excessive pressure creating "shrapnel".

Go to any hardware or home store. A decent gauge will be about $10