What Is A Hydrostatic Test?

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If you are buying a home in Texas, you may have come across the Addendum for Authorizing Hydrostatic Testing in the TREC residential contract. The addendum states that the buyer will pay for the hydrostatic test, and should the test damage the house, it allows the buyer and the seller to decide who will pay for the repairs.

But What Is This Hydrostatic Test Anyway?

A hydrostatic test is a pressure test used to evaluate the structural integrity of pipelines and other vessels that hold liquids or gases. The test is carried out to determine if the pipeline can safely hold the amount of water it’s designed to hold.   The pipes are filled with water, after which the water pressure is increased using a hydrostatic pump. The pressure is then held for about 20 minutes and observed to see if it drops. If the pressure holds, the pipeline is said to have passed the hydrostatic pressure test.

Is Hydrostatic Testing Safe?

Hydrostatic testing is usually done commercially to test boilers, meter skids, tubing, compressed gas cylinders, pipelines, and other pressurized vessels. These systems are designed to withstand that kind of pressure, although not for a long time, at least long enough for testing. However, hydrostatic testing is not a good idea when it comes to normal household plumbing systems. Solder joints may hold up very well, but the angle stops, and other appliances may not be able to withstand the pressure. Over pressurizing the system can cause leaks.

How to Safely Test for Leaks Under the Slab

Luckily, there is a safer way to test for leaks in a plumbing system. A good plumber does not need to pressurize the system to see if there is a leak. There is already enough pressure in the system to test for leaks, and a sewer water test can accurately tell you if there is anything to worry about under the slab. Fill the system with water and check to see if the pressure drops. As simple as that.

What Next?

If the sewer water test confirms a leak, the next steps are leak detecting and leak locating. Here, the plumber or homeowner will need leak detecting equipment to help them find the leak. If you’re looking for the best leak detecting systems,  LeakPro® has got you covered.  LeakPro® detecting equipment are tried and tested by leading plumbers in the industry. Contact us today to find out more about our systems or to place your order. If you want to learn more about leak detection or see how plumbers use leak detection equipment to find leaks, visit Roger’s YouTube for more educational videos.
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