I'm replumbing a 1925 home with original galvanized steel pipe. Actually the house has copper, PVC, CPVC and galvanized. I'm replumbing with Copper.

How do I test the system after I'm finished. In the past I would just turn on the water, crawl under the house and cross my fingers. I'm sure if I have leaks I'll be the first to know... I'll would mark them drain the water and resolder the joint. Is there a better way, without buying too many more tools.

"I would just turn on the water, crawl under the house and cross my fingers"

A little time saving device that we use when we "cross out fingers" is to close the system off when we put pressure and fill it with air first. Then we go joint by joint searching for a air leak. If we find one we shut the system down quick before water can get tok it and repair it. This way we don't have to hassle draining the system down to solder. Saves a lot of time. Good luck, Tom

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by usncas

I'm replumbing a 1925 home with original galvanized steel pipe. Actually the house has copper, PVC, CPVC and galvanized. I'm replumbing with Copper.

How do I test the system after I'm finished. In the past I would just turn on the water, crawl under the house and cross my fingers. I'm sure if I have leaks I'll be the first to know...I'll would mark them drain the water and resolder the joint. Is there a better way, without buying too many more tools.

---

Thanks Tom,
I do have access to a compressor, but I couldn't find the right fittings in my local big box store to get the air from the compresser hose into the plumbing system. And if I do, how many PSI should I test it to.

A compressor would be great but we don't carrythem on the trucks. A compressor's handier but we used the air pressure generated by shutting everything off, turning on the water, and chasing the job down joint by joint listening and felling for a puff of air. 45 PSI is the average house pressure. Using a compressure will give you more time. Good luck, Tom