Search

What Is A Hydrostatic Test?

WATCH THE VIDEO

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.
Most people don’t think about their plumbing system often. They are just happy it works. However, if problems like slab leaks occur, they may stay hidden for a while and damage your house while at it. They are also not a quick fix; the pipes are buried under your slab, and it
Plumbing repairs are some of the priciest repairs homeowners may have to shoulder, especially in cases where the whole plumbing system has to be replaced. However, a good plumber with the right equipment can perform a leak detection test, analyze the damage, and
Did you receive a water bill that is higher than usual? Or has there been a drop in water pressure in your home? That may point to a leaking slab under your foundation. But do slab leaks cause foundation problems? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Slab leak repairs are some of the most expensive plumbing repairs, and as a homeowner, you may want to know some of the ways you can save money while getting the best results. Plumbers may also want to know what options they can give their clients to reduce plumbing costs without compromising the quality of the repairs.
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.
When buying a house, one can get carried away by the excitement. As soon as the home inspector gives a thumbs up, new buyers are usually ready to sign the mortgage or pay for the house. But here’s the problem; home inspectors don’t have any plumbing knowledge to advise
Slab leaks are every homeowner’s worst nightmare. They can cause significant damage to your home and are quite pricey to detect and fix. It’s always wise to have your plumbing system regularly checked by a professional plumber to avoid slab leak issues creeping on you. If you already have a slab leak, getting it fixed as quickly as possible will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Homebuyers are always advised to have the plumbing system of their prospective home thoroughly tested for slab leaks before paying for the house or signing a mortgage. Similarly, homeowners call plumbers to perform the same test if they suspect leaks under their slab. This test is known as a sewer water test, and it’s the first step of leak detection.
Typically, there are three types of leaks that plumbers often deal with; water leaks, sewer leaks, and gas leaks. There are different ways of finding them, and each requires specific equipment and knowledge. So, how are plumbers able to accurately identify leaks in the pipes buried deep under the house?