All concealed drainage piping should be tested at

All concealed drainage piping should be tested at

• A. 10 feet of head with water or 5 PSI of air (air pressure must hold for 15 minutes)
• B. 20 feet of head with water only
• C. 15 feet of head with air only
• D. 5 feet of head with water and air

Answer: (A)

Testing concealed drainage piping verifies joints and connections are watertight before the pipes are buried or walls closed. The approach using a water test with ten feet of head applies a substantial, but safe, hydrostatic pressure to reveal leaks: water is incompressible, so even small leaks cause a drop in pressure or visible seepage, making it easy to identify problem joints. An alternative pneumatic test uses five pounds per square inch of air and must hold for about fifteen minutes. This method is effective too and avoids introducing water into the system, which can be advantageous in some building conditions. Both methods are permitted because they provide a reliable way to confirm the drainage network is sealed under pressure prior to completion, ensuring the system will perform once in service.

Testing concealed drainage piping verifies joints and connections are watertight before the pipes are buried or walls closed. The approach using a water test with ten feet of head applies a substantial, but safe, hydrostatic pressure to reveal leaks: water is incompressible, so even small leaks cause a drop in pressure or visible seepage, making it easy to identify problem joints. An alternative pneumatic test uses five pounds per square inch of air and must hold for about fifteen minutes. This method is effective too and avoids introducing water into the system, which can be advantageous in some building conditions. Both methods are permitted because they provide a reliable way to confirm the drainage network is sealed under pressure prior to completion, ensuring the system will perform once in service.