Pressure Testing for Leak Detection

[jim1504]

Well now there is a third possibility. Anderson seems to say pressure test with water only and hold for 2 minutes.

http://www.leaktools.com/professional/instruction_pressure.php

Water Test:

The initial test of a line should be done with water. A pressure drop is easy to observe when using water due to the fact that water does not compress, so any loss in volume will show itself quickly as a loss in pressure. Introduce water into the system by turning the valve handle towards the water line. You will be able to control the amount of water entering the system by moving the handle. Since the pressure gauge will show an inaccurate reading when water is flowing, occasionally turn the valve handle to the off position, straight up or down to check pressure. Bring the pressure to no higher than 20 p.s.i. If the pressure gets higher than this, release it by turning the black bleeder valve behind the pressure gauge. Once you have reached apx. 20 p.s.i. turn the valve to the off position. If the line holds pressure for two minutes there is not a problem leak in the section you are testing. If pressure does drop, check to make sure all plugs are secure, and test again to confirm leak. Release any pressure from the system by opening the bleeder valve after this test is complete.

Per Anderson Mfg. air and water cannot be compressed to pressure test. They can be combined to verify a suspected leak.

 

[JamesW]

Per Anderson Mfg. air and water cannot be compressed to pressure test. They can be combined to verify a suspected leak.

The key to effective sonic location is creating a distinct sound at the leak that can be detected with special listening devices designed to pick up vibrations in the ground. This distinct sound is created by getting air to escape from the pool leak into water saturated soil, producing a bubbling gurgling sound very similar to what you would here if you were to blow through a straw into a glass of water. http://www.leaktools.com/professional/article.php

If pressure cannot be maintained with just air, or if soil does not stay saturated, add a constant stream of water from the low end of the pipe while adding air. -
http://www.leaktools.com/professional/C ... 0Test2.pdf

There are various techniques involved in pressure testing. Water will leak slower than air. By comparing the loss rate between air and water, you can get a better idea of how big the leak is.

 

[jim1504]

Thanks James. Does anyone know the type of plug I could use that will fit inside a valve. I looked but did not see any 90 degree valves in leaktools' site?

Per Anderson Mfg. air and water cannot be compressed to pressure test. They can be combined to verify a suspected leak.

The key to effective sonic location is creating a distinct sound at the leak that can be detected with special listening devices designed to pick up vibrations in the ground. This distinct sound is created by getting air to escape from the pool leak into water saturated soil, producing a bubbling gurgling sound very similar to what you would here if you were to blow through a straw into a glass of water. http://www.leaktools.com/professional/article.php

http://www.leaktools.com/professional/C ... 0Test2.pdf[/url]

There are various techniques involved in pressure testing. Water will leak slower than air. By comparing the loss rate between air and water, you can get a better idea of how big the leak is.[/quote:73zw4d0j]

 

[jim1504]

Thought I would update that I fixed the leak - it was the spa light niche seal around the cable.

I suspected the spa return lines because 1) the spa water level would reduce to just above the return lines and 2) The spa would reduce faster with the pump on.

I decided to plug the spa return lines and the leak still occurred. What I figured was that it was the weight of the water that caused the water level to reduce faster when the spa water level was high. That's why I lost so much water, when the spa water level remains high, then it leaks more.

 

[1idejim]

I know this thread is a bit old but I happened upon it and thought what the hey. I happen to do leak detection and have done so for quite a few years.

Anyway, while water doesn't actually compress the way air does, you can pt using water only, air only or in combination. Think of it this way, you never get all of the water or air out of most systems. Some water or air will be present when testing with the other.

Lance has a pretty good video on youtube and I would suggest anyone testing their pool for leaks should view the video.