Pressure testing mains water supply pipe?

S

Stroppymonkey

Well-known member
R

Russell

Well-known member
Yes as Stroppymonkey said on a new pipe.
What pressure and how long?
I assume a normal pressure tester is OK?
This is the one I have
 
Last edited:
D

DaveDCB

Well-known member
I’d just test it up to the fitting rating.. i need me one of them pumps, maying using a compressor isn’t the ‘correct’ way? 🤨
 
pettsy

pettsy

Well-known member
I’d just test it up to the fitting rating.. i need me one of them pumps, maying using a compressor isn’t the ‘correct’ way? 🤨
I’ve had a copy of a decent rothenberger one for years, only ever used it once for unblocking some heating pipework!
 
JD450A

JD450A

Feral as Fk 🐾
Personally connect to mains, flush through, then load up and leave overnight. As said over 50m should be chlorinated.

I've seen people use pressure test setups before being overly clever.... Unfortunately they are the same ones they use for foul drainage tests..... I believe the term is whatever you do don't ...
 
S

Stroppymonkey

Well-known member
I seem to remember it’s one and a half times working pressure, but tbh I’ve only ever really done repairs rather than a brand new install. I had a look online and found this, which seems pretty technical!

Depends on your local Authorities, they can vary. If a new supply going in that needs more than a 50m run always apply for a standpipe , saves the hassle of getting a chlorination treatment and test. Just connect up later on once they’ve lived it up and gone home :). I’m a water board approved WRAS plumber so get a bit involved with this stuff occasionally.
 
6

6feetdown

Well-known member
I’ve got the quals but in my area was an extra cost to join a scheme that I’d rarely use. I had a customer have a new supply done by a watersafe approved company and it was shocking, yet no-one was checking it 🤬
Another money making quango
 
D

DaveDCB

Well-known member
All the new supplies I do have been inspected by United utilities , & then meter head & joint into main supply carried out by their contractor and then all good to go from there..
 
S

Stroppymonkey

Well-known member
I’ve got the quals but in my area was an extra cost to join a scheme that I’d rarely use. I had a customer have a new supply done by a watersafe approved company and it was shocking, yet no-one was checking it 🤬
I don’t think I pay to be listed? Maybe I do but it would only be peanuts, I have a very intolerant approach to advertising. We get a surprising amount of work from it, only a small handful around here are approved and we all know each other. Daft thing is my qual was so long ago that it’s a lifetime one as well. Wheras most of the lads need to retake their water regs every 5 years.
 
Top