How to Test Copper Pipe 200 PSI for 24 Hours

Close all faucets prior to testing the copper water lines.

Household water lines generally have water pressure between 60 and 80 pounds per square inch. Though the city water line supplies pressure at roughly 200 psi, the home's pressure regulator attached to the water line changes that pressure to the homeowner's requirements. This requirement will be different if the home is above or below the city's water line. Testing a copper water line for an extended period at 200 psi is best done with air and not water, so no water damage occurs if a pipe or joint breaks.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure test pump
• Pump pliers

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Instructions

1. Turn off the home's water shutoff valve. Open the lowest and highest faucets on the premises to drain the lines. Close the faucets after the lines have drained. Close all other faucets and shutoff valves to washing machines, dishwashers, ice makers and shower control valves.

2. Screw the end of the pressure test pump's hose to the threaded end of a spigot on the property. Spigots are generally found outside, or serving washing machines. Tighten the hose to the spigot with pump pliers. Open the spigot.

3. Push the pump's lever up and down, forcing air into the copper pipelines. Continue pumping until the gauge on the pump reaches 200 psi. Wait 24 hours to ensure the gauge's reading stays at the same level.

4. Open the pump's shutoff valve to release air from the copper pipelines. Unscrew and remove the pump's hose from the spigot using the pump pliers. Close the spigot, and open the home's water shutoff valve to refill the copper water pipes.

Tips & Warnings

• If the valve shows that air is escaping from the copper water line, find the location by listening for the sound of escaping air. Mark the pipe or pipe joints in the location of the escaping air with a black marker. After the test is carried out, call a plumber to repair the line.

• Most water supply lines are adequately tested using 100 psi. Testing at a 200 psi level may damage copper pipe joints that work perfectly well under lower pressures.

References

• Tool Fetch: Wheeler Rex 29200 Hand Operated Test Pump 300 PSI