Hydrostatic pressure testing is a way to test a variety of pressurized systems for leaks. It also tests them for structural integrity. The test is rather simple. One of our professionals from Metroplex Leak & Line Locators fills the vessel with water, pressurizes it to about one and a half times its MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure) and checks for any resultant leaks over a certain amount of time. This allows you and our professional to learn whether your sewer line or other system can handle the pressure that it’s been rated for. It also makes sure that the material the object is made of is strong enough to handle the pressure. That includes its joints and fittings The test lasts from two to 12 hours and is constantly monitored.
Why Have Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Done?
Hydrostatic pressure testing is crucial for industrial purposes, but it is important for your home as well. The tests are often done on sewer lines to check for leaks. This is crucial because it can tell you if raw sewage is leaking onto your property and not being sent to your septic tank or the municipal sewer system where it belongs. It can also tell you if tree roots are beginning to infiltrate your pipes. At first, these rootlets are nearly microscopic, and the tree sends them through the tiniest holes in the pipe to see if there’s a supply of water and other nutrients. In the case of an active sewer line, there always is. Eventually, the roots grow and can become so large and numerous that they cause the pipe to burst. Hydrostatic testing can help find even tiny leaks before they become catastrophic.
Once a leak has been detected, our plumber can find its location with a video camera. They can sequester sections of the pipe with plugs and check them with the camera until the leak is isolated. This test is especially helpful for pipes that are placed under concrete slabs.
Besides sewer lines, hydrostatic testing is also done for:
- Boilers
- Gas cylinders
- Heat exchangers
- Other types of pipes
Systems that are subject to pressure in your home are best tested every year after their installation. You might want to get a test even sooner if there have been any changes in your environment, such as a sinkhole.
Call in the Experts for Accurate Testing
Whether your home in Mesquite, Texas is near the Black Girl Magic Museum or the Devil’s Bowl Speedway, you’ll want to get hydrostatic pressure testing done on your sewer lines. Finding and fixing a problem early can save thousands of dollars in repairs. If you’re interested in a hydrostatic pressure test, call us today at Metroplex Leak & Line Locators to speak with our specialists.
