How to re-pressure system for testing (water)

[JC707]

Morning folks. Been keeping an eye on the pressure gauge since coming home from Hawaii a day ago. Been holding steady at 30-34 psi, fluctuating with temperature.

First day out to really look at soil around pipes and noticed some wet soil areas near pad at 90 degree elbow areas. Lifted the pipe and sure enough the pipe underneath is all wet. They installed plumbing 1 week ago (Saturday 5/13). All other soil areas are bone dry.

My question is would the psi drop low if there is a small leak in one of the connections? It's not dropping below 30psi.

Maybe they charged it to 45psi and it dropped to 30psi with this small leak before holding steady while continuing to leak?

I am attaching a photo of the gauge area. Can I just turn hose on to refill and charge up to say 45 psi and watch it?

Thanks!

 

[JC707]

@AQUA~HOLICS

Thanks for the tips on my other thread. Let me know what you think with this one. Appreciate the help.

 

[ajw22]

Fix the visible leak and repressurize the system and retest.

 

[JC707]

Fix the visible leak and repressurize the system and retest.

Thanks ajw. To repressurize do I need to turn spigot on @ gauge and drain water out until 0psi then refill or no need and just refill with water?

 

[ajw22]

I would expect you will lose all pressure when you fix the leaking pipe.

 

[JC707]

I would expect you will lose all pressure when you fix the leaking pipe.

Lol duh. That makes sense.

Will be talking to builder tomorrow during gunite day to show leak areas. I couldn't see the leaks but the wet soil gave area away then I lifted a few pipes up and swiped with my hand and maybe 4 pipes left my hand with a bunch of water on it. I am hoping the plumbers can locate exactly where the leak is.

4 pipes total left my hand wet...kind of has me concerned of their plumbing job.

I am going to go over the plumbing that is about to be covered in gunite with a fine tooth comb today to make sure nothing is leaking there.

 

[ajw22]

Keep on repairing and restesting cycle until all leaks are fixed and system hold pressure. Don;t let them continue burying any pipes until the system holds pressure.

 

[JC707]

You know what I did notice...a lot of pipes had condensation on them this morning. The areas wgere pipes were shaded and then sun started hitting them this morning.

I lifted one of the pipes I am thinking has a leak and saw water droplets on the bottom spanning an area of 5 feet, lots of water on bottom of pipe.

I took a rag and wiped the bottom clean, going to check again later to see if water comes back on these spots. I am having a hard time telling if these are actual leaks or just tons of water condensation.
5 pipes in total had this...

I also took pressure up to 45psi, going to see if it drops down to 30psi where it was holding when I got home from Hawaii or see what happens.

 

[JC707]

Say there is a small leak at an elbow or a small hole in a pipe they didn't catch....

How does this effect pressure at the gauge? Will only a huge leak make pressure drop from 30psi down to 5psi and tiny pin hole leaks will not drop pressure at all?

Sorry dumb question, I need a lesson in science here folks.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Both types of leaks will affect the pressure of the pipes, one will take longer than the other.
The inspector signed off for pre Shotcrete correct?

 

[JC707]

Both types of leaks will affect the pressure of the pipes, one will take longer than the other.
The inspector signed off for pre Shotcrete correct?

This part is weird...I have an account with the city permit website right (I am OCD and wanted to check status of inspections on our new construction build last year )....

I saw our pre gunite inspection is scheduled for 5/24 Wednesday but our gunite shoot day is tomorrow.

I texted the PB yesterday to ask and they said it's fine.

Edit: the 2 inspections scheduled are "Pre Gunite setback" and "gas pressure test".

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Unfortunately there are things that will be covered up during the Shotcrete process that are typically inspected by the city (bonding, pressure on the pipes, measuring main drain pipe distance just to name a few) then they OK to be covered.

 

[JC707]

Unfortunately there are things that will be covered up during the Shotcrete process that are typically inspected by the city (bonding, pressure on the pipes, measuring main drain pipe distance just to name a few) then they OK to be covered.View attachment 494448

Yeah I figured this much and it is ******* me off to say the least.

I did check all their prior pool builds on my street (9 total so far) and they haven't failed one pre gunite but with my terrible luck I would be the first to fail.

I plan to ask them today why they are proceeding with gunite before the "pre-gunite inspection".

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

My first thought is the P/B is comfortable working with the inspectors. Still doesn’t make it right.
Just keep in mind that the inspector’s are actually working on your side and are there to insure the basics are getting done.

 

[JC707]

I pulled the permit envelope from the box outside to see what it entails for our city. Just says "Pre Gunite / Setback".

I am assuming there is a checklist they have similar to what you posted.

I wonder how they can pass a pre gunite inspection when the pool will be covered in gunite.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

They can’t and that’s when problems can arise later in the project.

 

[JC707]

My first thought is the P/B is comfortable working with the inspectors. Still doesn’t make it right.
Just keep in mind that the inspector’s are actually working on your side and are there to insure the basics are getting done.

Yeah this seems like the case. They do a ton of pools here and are probably comfortable with the inspector (one lady who does it all around here).

I'll mention it to them today and take a ton of photos maybe I'll meet the inspector here Wednesday and show her all the photos lol. Might make the PB upset but I did warn them I am OCD and very hands on type of home owner.

I also treat each sub well and buy them lunch/provide beverages though...

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

You are a perfect candidate for doing a Owner-Builder

 

[JC707]

You are a perfect candidate for doing a Owner-Builder

That's funny cause I was thisssssss close to doing it but have so much on my plate right now with work and family life that I passed on it.

Maybe if we ever move and build another pool.

 

[JC707]

Called the builder and she said oh no we did the inspections as the city won't let us gunite until done.

Just weird as the city website shows inspections scheduled for next week post gunite and still outstanding. I also pulled the permit inspection papers inside electrical box and it wasn't filled out by inspector tho I dont know if they hand fill in those papers or if everything is electronic now a days. PB insisted inspections were done.

Guess I'll take their word for it....