Soil / Waste Pipework Pressure Test

[Michael O'Brien]

Folks, I am hoping someone can help to cast light on pressure testing for the waste water / soil stack in my house. The house is a conversion from Commercial to Residential and everything is new. The Building Control Officer has said she wants to see the results of a pressure test but my plumber is saying that it is now not possible as the plumbing is complete. There are 3.5 bathrooms (some with wet room type showers and I am told that these can not be adequately sealed to conduct a pressure test). I am told that all of the basins, baths, showers etc would need to be disconnected and the pipework sealed. I have looked around the web to see if I can educate myself as I don't understand why the building inspector would ask for something which is not possible. Can any one shed some light on this please? Many thanks Michael

 

[Ermintrude]

Bung drain outside
and run taps until lowest pan / basin is ready to spill. Note water lines on all appliances and leave for 45mins. Job done. TA!

 

[Reg Man]

Bung the drain fill the traps. Air test at 75mm water gauge for 3 minutes is what it used to be.

 

[Ermintrude]

Bung the drain fill the traps. Air test at 75mm water gauge for 3 minutes is what it used to be.

Don't forget to bag top of stack

 

[brum]

Hi guys an air pressure test is needed sealing stacks filling toilets and wastes doing test from manhole with air pressure gauge watch out for shallow shower traps nothing needs disconnecting.
Building control need to be sure that there are no leaks that could result in bad smells ie inpipework above sanitary fittings as well as below(wet & dry pipes) a good thread on here would be drain test cheating!

 

[brum]

I forgot to add seal wet room wastes with duct tape

 

[Michael O'Brien]

All, thanks for your replies - very helpful. I will run this past the plumber and hopefully will be able to provide what BC need without too much pain.