Pressure Testing City of Whitehorse

Guide to Pressure Testing a Shower for Leaks

In only one home, plumbing leaks can waste approximately 6,000 to 60,000 Litres each year. They can also result in severe structural damage, mold problems, other health risks associated with water damage. The worst part is that most leaks are not even readily noticeable, and can be challenging to identify. Some indicators such as water stains or a significant increase in your water bill could help you become aware that they exist. Some leaks are easily visible, and would not take much to resolve. Some, on the other hand, would require the services of skilled and professional plumbers like Active Plumbing.

Although it not the be most exciting way to spend your Time, detecting and pinpointing leaks will save a lot of water and money in the long run. Testing for leaks means that your water bill will go down, and you won’t have to pay the plumber a plumber to detect and find leaks for you! Here are some ways on how you can pressure test your shower for leaks.

Pressure Testing Your Shower

To make certain that pipe flakes, sand and other debris found in the water lines do not impair the surface of the shower cartridge, the pipes should be flushed. To do this, turn on the cold water in your shower and let it run for 10 to 15 seconds. Next, do the same thing for the hot water.

Once the hot and cold lines have been adequately flushed, take out the shower head and swap it for a ½-inch threaded galvanized or brass nipple with a cap or plug on the end. Seal it with a Teflon tape on the threads. If your home has a combination shower and tub valve, take out the tub spout and cap or plug the line. This will permit pressure to build up in the water lines when the shower is turned on for testing. Leaks that do not materialize when water is flowing through a fixture will come into sight when the valve is under pressure.

Turn on the shower valve when you make certain that the shower head is totally plugged. Since the flow of water or air impeded, pressure will increase and also the valve can be looked for leakages. A water leakage could vary from a small drip to a consistent spray or stream of water, while an air-test leak will certainly be obviously audible. Most leakages are instantly noticeable, however some could take a couple of minutes to arise. This is why you have to leave the valve under pressure for about 15 mins to be completely certain that there are no leaks.

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