Testing new pipe work

danbr · 23 Nov 2014

Hi, i have just extended my central heating system to upstairs but before plasterboard i would like to test the system for leaks.

If i blank all the tails upstairs and then connect upto the system, will the air in the pipe upstairs bleed from radiators/taps downstairs?
Thanks in advance

Robiow70 · 23 Nov 2014

Why not get a couple of push fit service valves, or use a trv or lockshild to pull the air through. R

ALCPlumbing · 23 Nov 2014

No it won't bleed air from upstairs at a lower point. If you connect a pressure gauge to one of the tails you are capping off you can just check to see if the pipework maintains pressure overnight. It won't matter if there's air in the pipe. Alternatively you could cap off upstairs with balofix isolation valves and just open slightly to vent the air out.

Agile · 24 Nov 2014

Or even just test with air pressure and see if that leaks!

If it did then it would not spoil or even wet the carpet!

Tony

Dan Robinson · 24 Nov 2014

You shouldn't use air to test pipe integrity. Being compressible, it is not only inaccurate, it is also dangerous.

Agile · 24 Nov 2014

You should not use air at high pressures.

But at low pressures, say up to 0.5 bar, it has many advantages:-

Does not make a mess or damage if it leaks.

Shows up a leak better than water due to its low viscosity.

Can let leaks be found using an ultrasonic detection meter.

After all Dan, we all test gas pipes for leakage with gas!

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Testing new pipe work

danbr

Robiow70

ALCPlumbing

Agile

Dan Robinson

Agile

DIYnot Local

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