Water Distribution Test

Purpose:
To ensure the water distribution system, including piping and fittings, is properly installed free of leakage.

Equipment:
A pressure gauge

Procedure:
After water lines and their connections to fixtures are completed, the system is pressurized with air or water or a combination of both up to 100 psi. The starting pressure is recorded. After 15 minutes the pressure is re-recorded. A significant pressure drop over 15%) indicates a failure in the system. A small pressure drop (less than 15%) may be due to line expansion. In that case, the pressure must be set back to the original 100 psi and re-recorded after 15 minutes. Note that all valves should be kept close and water heater can be filled with water or bypassed by connecting the hot and cold water lines together. Alternatively, the water heater may be unplugged by use of caps on the end of the lines.