How is pressure testing of a plumbing system performed?

Pressure testing of a plumbing system is performed by filling the system with water or air and monitoring for any drops in pressure. This method is essential for verifying the integrity of the plumbing system, ensuring there are no leaks or weak points that could lead to failure under operational conditions.

When the system is filled with water or air, it is pressurized to a specified level. If the pressure remains stable, it indicates that the system is sound. However, if there is a drop in pressure, it signals a potential leak, which can then be located and repaired. This form of testing is a critical part of plumbing practice as it helps to ensure safety and reliability within the system.

Other methods such as increasing temperature or visual inspections do not provide the same level of assurance for identifying leaks. Visual inspections may miss small leaks that are not evident. Applying chemical agents is also not a standard practice for pressure testing and is not intended for indicating integrity under pressure. Thus, the filling and monitoring technique is the most effective and commonly used for pressure testing plumbing systems.