How do you test soil pipe and waste system on new build house to comply with completion regulations

9 reads and no reply, that should improve when we move this to plumbing

Moved to plumbing

Hi Plumb1...

Basically, you cap all waste lines, you cap main drain (or install cherne test ball into main cleanout)... then you either fill the entire system with water until flows out the vent in the roof... OR, you cap the vent through the roof and pump the system up with air.

You can also test in sections, as long as when using the water test you test to a 10 foot head (means that you need to fill pipes under test to 10 feet above lowest level)... if air, just test normal.

The air test will require a certain PSI (POUNDS PRESSURE/SQUARE INCH) to be held for a certain amount of time... YOU MUST CALL YOUR LOCAL PLUMBING INSPECTOR AND ASK HIM WHAT PSI AND FOR HOW LONG TEST MUST HOLD IF USING AIR IN YOUR TOWN.

Each state has its own requirements. I always test with water... ;)

Cap all lines with jim caps (see pic.) or install cherne test balls or similar (pump up with bicycle pump... see pic.).

They also make jim caps (test caps) with drains in them... makes emptying system at base of system much easier to drain (other option is to pull test plug or just pull cap off... both can be messy. This works great!).

I'm afraid that's how it's done... any more questions, let us know... Mark

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In our area we cap off all the drainage in the unit and place a inflatable test ball in the cleanout to complete the seal. We then take a hose up on the roof and fill the job from the highest roof vent. When the vent runs over we let it set overnight and call in a inspection. This is called a "static test". Regards, Tom