For decades, water pressure testing was the standard method for assessing pipeline integrity. Then, in 2019, Wavin’s Tigris M5/K5 range entered the market, adding significant momentum to the shift towards air pressure testing.
Offering a more hygienic, secure, efficient and sustainable way to ensure leak-free plumbing installation, air pressure testing has proved to be a superior alternative to water pressure testing. Contractors, installers and engineers increasingly opt for this method, particularly on large-scale commercial and healthcare projects where hygiene and regulatory compliance are paramount. Here are three of the key reasons why:
1. Reducing legionella risk in plumbing systems
One of the most significant advantages of air pressure testing is its role in mitigating legionella bacteria risk. Legionella thrives in stagnant water, particularly in warm conditions, making traditional water pressure testing a potential hazard if pipes aren’t completely dried afterwards.
By using air instead of water, installers ensure that bacteria like legionella don’t have the opportunity to develop. Guaranteeing high levels of hygiene is especially critical in environments like hospitals, care homes and schools, where people who come into contact with water in the system are potentially more vulnerable.
As Don Elworthy, Senior Contracts Manager at Panks Engineers Ltd. explains, air pressure testing eliminates this risk entirely:
“When you pressure test with air, you can skip the time-consuming drying phase while being 100% assured that no legionella bacteria have been introduced to the pipes during construction. This is particularly important in the hospitals and schools that we build.”
In line with the evolution and availability of air pressure testing systems, global rules and regulations are also developing more stringent hygiene requirements. Compliance with these water safety regulations is driving further adoption of air pressure testing, and many updated plumbing guidelines now prioritize air pressure testing—particularly in high-risk installations—to reduce the possibility of contamination.
2. Minimizing water damage and liability risks
Beyond hygiene considerations, installers must carefully manage the potential hazards of leaks and water damage. If a leak occurs during traditional water testing, it can cause costly damage to electrical installations, new flooring, drywall and insulation. This is an issue that affects both new builds and retrofit projects, where existing infrastructure must be protected. As many regions grapple with aging public infrastructure, it’s vital that pipe integrity assessments and retrofit projects in settings like healthcare facilities and schools are carried out with minimal risk, making leak prevention even more critical.
Insurers are also paying close attention to this hazard. Leakage-related claims have increased 21% year-over-year, accounting for over a third of all construction losses. As such, water represents a major financial risk, particularly on large-scale projects. In contrast, relying on air pressure avoids introducing water into the system during testing, so there’s no chance of water damage or leaks. Plus, this delivers the ancillary benefit of making job sites safer. By adopting air testing as the standard, developers and insurers alike lower their risk and associated costs.
As Elworthy outlines: “I insist we pressure test religiously. Not only does this reduce our damage liability, but it’s also one of our most important selling points to new clients. They benefit from this extra level of security, knowing they won’t experience leaks that can cause further damage to their asset.”
3. Advancing sustainability in construction
Sustainability is another growing driver behind the construction industry’s shift to air pressure testing. As many regions grapple with water shortages, water conservation is increasingly a front-of-mind priority for citizens and stakeholders commissioning construction projects.
Traditional water pressure testing requires large volumes of water, most of which must be drained and disposed of afterwards. In some cases, contaminated water used to flush the system may even require treatment, adding further environmental impact to the process. In contrast, air testing eliminates water waste entirely, so it’s a much more eco-friendly option and boosts the sustainability credentials of any build. Thanks to its almost non-existent environmental impact, air testing also aligns well with global sustainability frameworks, such as LEED and BREEAM certifications, that encourage resource-efficient building practices.
Choose Tigris K5/M5 with Acoustic Leak Alert
For a practical way to adopt air pressure testing on your next project, consider choosing Wavin’s Tigris K5/M5 press-fit system with Acoustic Leak Alert functionality. This revolutionary system sets a new industry benchmark for safety, efficiency and sustainability by enabling precise air pressure testing and leak detection.
The preferred choice for securing plumbing systems in large-scale and high-risk projects globally, Tigris K5/M5 is at the forefront of the transition to air testing as the industry gold standard. Contact your local Wavin representative and find out how Tigris K5/M5 can enhance safety and performance on your next project!
Make sure to read all the blogs about air pressure testing:
1. Why are more companies switching to air pressure testing?
2. Air pressure testing protecting wooden buildings
3. Benefits of air pressure testing on large construction projects
