Testing pipework

[mrbtidude]

Hi,

I'm replacing a small radiator with a towel radiator. You can see before and after in the attached images.

It's my first time using copper with solder ring elbows so before I refit plasterboard, plaster and tile, I want to test my pipework for leaks. My question is, how can I got about doing this? Could I simply connect the flow to the return here with pushfit elbows and pipe, then repressurise the system or will this cause an problem? I don't want to be connecting the new towel rail up just yet or testing with air.

 

[SandyLyon]

With demountable pushfit fittings general rule of thumb would be a low pressure test (.5 - 1.0 bar) followed by a further test around 1.5 x working pressure for about an hour.

Older style pushfit fittings (“O” ring first / grab ring second) require an increased pressure test of 18 bar.

This is of course assuming that you have access to a pressure test pump, you may well be able to hire one from a tool hire shop, don’t be tempted to use a compressor to perform an air test.

 

[mrbtidude]

Thanks for your reply. Is it possible to connect the two copper pipes (flow & return) temporarily with push fit and a short length of pipe, repressurise/refill the system and test in this way without air?

 

[SandyLyon]

Yes, linking the F & R pipes together is fine.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. You don't need to connect the two pipes (flow and return). Provided:
It is not a one pipe system (unlikely) AND
There is at least one other radiator on the same circuit with both valves at least partially open
Then there will be water in both flow and return legs already.
2. Just pressurise the system as normal and check for leaks.
3. While in theory it should be tested to 1.5 time original pressure (say 2.25 bar) with more for pushfit fittings, its a very limited section of pipewor. I'd take the risk of 1. above, perhaps putting the pressure up to 2 bar then reducing it again when finished.

 

[Madrab]

Take the push fit ends off, put the rad valves on, fill system to at least 2 bar and leave it for as long as possible, check for leaks.