Pressure-testing plumbing pipes is useful to spot potential leaks in your newly installed water pipes. As a homeowner, you would want your water pressure to stay on safe levels. After all, a lot of aspects in your life depend on the plumbing, from washing the dishes to taking a warm shower. The good news is that pressure-testing your plumbing system is incredibly easy to perform. If for some reason you’re holding off from hiring Pittsburgh plumbing experts to do the job for you, simply follow these steps to ensure that your pipes are in good condition.
- First thing’s first: You would want to turn off the main shutoff valve. This means that no one will be using the water as you perform the test. Inform your family members that you’re about to pressure-test your pipes.
- Once ready, it’s time to place the cap over the stub-outs. A test cap is ideal for this. Depending on the kind of pipe, you may need to do some gluing or soldering to accomplish the step. Remember that after the test, you are going to be cutting off the caps, so make sure you attach them in a way that they can be easily removed.
- Next, search your piping system for an ideal spot where you can place a pressure gauge and an air compressor hose.
- The test officially begins. The compressor should be turned on for 15 minutes, which will air-fill the pipes so the gauges attain the appropriate test pressure. Aim for five pounds of pressure through the lines, making sure to observe the readings on the gauge. Plumbers in Pittsburgh would normally know what to look for when doing this method, so if you’re not sure about the readings, it won’t hurt to consult the experts.
- Hopefully, the readings shouldn’t exceed 75 lbs per square inch. A number higher than that would mean that your pipes may suffer too much pressure and deteriorate in a shorter amount of time. If this is the case, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve. On the other hand, a reading that goes below 30 lbs per square inch could be a sign of a leak somewhere in your water system.
- To double-check for easy-to-miss leak points on your pipes, mix liquid soap with water. If you have liquid glycerin, add two teaspoons of that. Rub the solution on the pipe connections around your house. If air bubbles form, it means your pipes are suffering from leakage, which possibly explains the low pressure.
Keep these steps in mind the next time you need to pressure-test your plumbing pipes. Of course, you don’t have to do it by yourself. There are plenty of 24 hr plumbing Pittsburgh services that boast years and years of experience. When in doubt, pick up the phone and call the service that you think is most reliable. Surely they will be able to perform the pressure tests in a short amount of time. Not to mention that they have all the tools required for the process.
If you’re in Pittsburgh, PA, all you have to do is call Kwiatkowski Plumbing at (412) 221-5404. With our 24/7 emergency plumbing service, we are sure to serve you ASAP.