Pressure test

[Tricia Cusack]

I purchased a building / vacant for 5 years / cold climate / pipes were drained
I want to perform a pressure test prior to closing on the property. All 1/2 “and 3/4” copper -soldered fittings

Question 1 – What PSI should I compress to ?

Question 2 – I’ve been involved in performing this type of test many years ago, but it was on new construction
and all pipes were capped. — Are standard angle stop valves rated for the PSI I will need to perform the test?

[CincinnatiPlumbingParticipant]

Normally when testing waterlines, I pump the system up to 100psi and let it sit for 30 minutes. In an existing structure that already has angle stops installed, I get 3/8″ compression caps and cap off the outlet side of the anglestops then pump the system up to 80psi for 30 minutes. Since normal operating pressure is somewhere between 50-75 psi, 80psi would be a sufficient test. Good luck.

» This message has been edited by CincinnatiPlumbing on 25 February 2005

[Retired plbg1Participant]

That pressure is OK but get some Liq. soap and water and soap the valves to make sure they are not leaking and anything else.

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Art retired plbg

[CincinnatiPlumbingParticipant]

A very good point to make Art

[Author]

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