Water pressure testing has been the most common method of leak detection in plumbing installations for decades. Even as the newer and safer method of air pressure testing became available, there has been a reluctance among industry professionals to switch, with some raising concerns over safety issues relating to its use of high pressures.
However, the science behind these concerns simply doesn’t add up. As Don Elworthy, Senior Contracts Manager at Panks Engineers Ltd., explains:
“Up until a few years ago, there wasn’t a lot of guidance on air pressure testing and people were using up to 12 bar. That’s just too dangerous, and that’s why there were accidents. The truth is, with trained personnel who follow the guidelines specified in the method statement, air pressure testing can be done safely and accurately.”
As construction industries worldwide become more familiar with this form of testing, its wide range of benefits means global uptake is increasing. Here’s why:
Bigger buildings mean bigger challenges
The rise of air pressure testing has run parallel to a global increase in the size of construction projects and commercial buildings. As new buildings have become bigger, regularly water testing plumbing installations has grown into a significant challenge that costs considerable time and money.
This is because all air must be purged from the entire system before water testing can commence. Then, the whole system must be tested, all water drained and all pipework thoroughly dried. This is to ensure no water is left in the system as it can raise the risk of pipes cracking due to frozen water in low temperature environments, and to avoid water stagnation and the associated risk of bacterial growth such as legionella.
The faster, more straightforward way to test large buildings
By contrast, air testing is typically quicker and more cost-effective. This is because air pressure testing can be carried out incrementally rather than having to test the entire system each time. This means sections of piping can be tested individually as a build progresses.
As Eric van der Blom, Sanitary Specialist at Techniek Nederland, explains:
“You can do air pressure testing in one section of the building at a time, and you don’t need to go through the steps of removing air bubbles from the water. Air pressure testing saves time overall and that’s why it began to take over.”
Air pressure tests typically require 130 minutes per section, compared to just 20 minutes for water testing. However, air testing results in fewer disruptions and faster completion times when factoring in water preparation time, draining, drying and weekly flushing requirements.
Identifying leaks before they cause a problem
The other key efficiency gain of air pressure testing is that it ensures leaks are detected and repaired before the entire system is installed, reducing rework and delays.
Modern acoustic leak detection tools make it easy to pinpoint leaks using pressurized air. The Tigris K5/M5’s Acoustic Leak Alert feature, for example, emits a loud, clear whistle when air escapes from a fitting, allowing installers to locate and resolve the issue quickly. On large, complex projects, this significantly streamlines any repairs needed while also avoiding costly water damage.
Ensuring top quality project delivery
This efficient, low-risk form of testing doesn’t just benefit large building construction. By eliminating the chance of water damage to newly installed walls, floors and other fittings, construction professionals working on almost any project can be confident that the quality of their work isn’t at risk of last-minute damage. By helping to preserve the quality of work on-site, air pressure testing helps safeguard high-quality project delivery while removing the risk of test-related setbacks to handover deadlines.
Even less traditional forms of construction, such as pre-fabricated units, can benefit from this low-risk approach. Recognizing the benefits of air pressure testing to ensure high-quality, on-time project delivery, Modulbad, a pre-fabrication bathroom company, has been using air pressure testing for the last 30 years as part of its quality control process.
Each cabin they produce is systematically checked for leaks, and Sales Manager, Finn Bjorn-Hansen, outlines that this is the preferred test method because:
“Exposure to water during production can damage the paint, the tiles and the pipes. Air pressure testing ensures the cabins are completely clean and dry when we ship them. And, as we store the cabins outside prior to shipping, we can avoid the risk of frozen pipes during storage. Air pressure testing helps us deliver the superior quality our pre-fabricated bathrooms are known for.”
Once they’ve arrived, Modulbad also recommends installers use air pressure testing to help preserve the brand’s reputation for excellence.
The best air pressure solution for your next project
At Wavin, we’re proud to have been a frontrunner in the air pressure testing market with the launch of our popular Tigris K5/M5 solution in 2019. This high-quality, press-fit system revolutionizes leak detection with its Acoustic Leak Alert feature, enabling installers to identify unpressed fittings without introducing water into the system.
To find out more about how it can help you deliver faster installations and ensure the quality of your next project, take a look at the air pressure testing video below:
Make sure to read all the blogs about air pressure testing:
1. Why are more companies switching to air pressure testing?
