How to use a pipe dry testing kit?

10th March 2020


	How to use a pipe dry testing kit?


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			Step 1 – Plug or seal piping Plug or seal any open ends and use valves to limit the test section of the piping. Using valves to limit the test section means that you can test a certain part of the piping, depending on where the valves are placed.



			Pipe plugs and stop ends are used to seal off the ends of copper and plastic pipes while testing. Both can be purchased in a variety of sizes to fit pipes with different diameters. Ensure there is no burr on the pipe end before fitting a plug or stop end. Burr is a rough, sometimes jagged, edge left on the inside and outside of the end of a piece of pipe after it has been cut. Remove burr with abrasive paper, a file or a special attachment on some pipe cutters.

			Insert the plug into the end of the pipe. Once the end of the plug is inside the pipe, turn the wings clockwise to tighten the plug.

			The stop end will mount the open end of the pipe. This is then pushed against the pipe to lock it in place.(To remove the stop end, push the collar into the fitting and pull it off the pipe.)

			Step 2 – Connect test gauge Use the push fit fitting to connect the test gauge to the piping. Simply insert the pipe into the fitting to lock the pipe clamp around the pipe, securing it in place.

			Step 3 – Testing kit is ready Once the testing gauge is in place, you are now ready to pressurise the system.

			Step 4 – Pressurise pipe system Use a hand pump, foot pump or electric pump with the correct adaptor to apply pressure to the system.

			Each of these pumps would require a schrader pump adaptor.

			Place the pump’s adaptor onto the end of the schrader valve by pushing and screwing the adaptor clockwise onto the valve.

			Pump air into the system while watching the dial. Make sure enough air is pumped into the system so the needle points to 3 – 4 bar (43 – 58 psi or 300 – 400 kPa).

			Step 5 – Time test Retain the test pressure for around 10 minutes to see if there is a drop in pressure. You can leave the test for however long you like, but the minimum test time recommended by professionals is 10 minutes.

			Step 6 – Check drop in pressure If, after 10 minutes, there is no drop in pressure, the test has been a success.

			If there is a drop in pressure, then the test was not successful.See How to fix a drop in pressure?