When the plumbing system of a swimming pool is dripping one of the first diagnosing tests a professional will perform is a pressure test. In this process the plumbing lines of the pool are isolated and independently tested to figure out their abilities to hold pressure without leaking. Swimming pool plumbing system pressure testing is only as accurate as the individual performing the testing.

A pool will run between five and thirty PSI typically. Ideally the plumbing lines will be tested at a level above the maximum operating pressures to make sure that there’s no leakages in the system. The concern with this is that pressure testing any system over 1 or 2 PSI can be deadly so many testers wish to test at lower pressures like five, ten or twenty PSI.

In principle a plumbing leak will be obvious under all pressurised circumstances but this isn’t necessarily the case with evasive dripping issues. It is suggested to check at a higher pressure the standard operating values of the plumbing system.

The aptitude for danger exists with pressure testing so it should be tried by pros or competent people using correct equipment and safety systems. In principle the method of isolating each plumbing line is straightforward. Open one end of the pipe in the mechanical / pump room and plug the end in the pool. You then prompt either water or air that’s controlled with a valve and a known correct pressure gauge.

In practice the method of pressure testing a pool is way more complex. Basic pool systems can involve as little as 2 or 3 pipes however hardier pools can have 30, 40 or 50 individual pipes that need testing. As well as being able to determine where each pipe goes, which can often be a difficult job in some cases, most pools have pipes that are very tough to isolate and test.

Some pipes don’t connect from the pump room to the pool making it extraordinarily tough to access both ends of the pipe which is needed so as to perform any correct pressure testing. A good example of this is the key drain at the base of the pool. Some pools can’t be emptied so a diver can be needed so as to check and plug the key drain for testing. Water features, hot tubs, return jets and stairs will infrequently have pipes which are tricky to pressure test further complicating the method.

A well versed professional will use a combination of plumbing system knowledge, testing and process of elimination to identify the pool leak. More often than not the leak can be identified by examining closely the characteristics of the leak itself. The more invasive pressure testing process is used to prove what is speculated by examining the leak characteristics. The better that you understand your pool plumbing system the more readily you will be able to find and repair the leak – with or without a pressure test.

Being a plumber means respondingto numerous calls on a daily basis. Lancaster Plumbing and Plumbing Dallas are constantly ready to provide first-class plumbing services, even on very short notice. Equipped with professional plumbing tools, our plumbers are ready forboth residential and commercial plumbing challenges.