Hydrostatic Testing

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Hydrostatic Testing Frisco

You may have never heard of a hydrostatic pressure test, but it’s a major tool for understanding and confirming the integrity of your home’s plumbing system. If you suspect a sewer line break, have recently had foundation work done on your home, or have a home built before 1990, a hydrostatic pressure test can help you ensure that there are no major leaks, breaks, or other types of damage to your plumbing system.

Unseen plumbing issues can quickly compromise your home or business. That’s why you should trust Earl’s Plumbing to keep your property’s plumbing system safe. We know the drain and sewer issues facing North Texas homes and businesses better than anyone and we’re ready to help get your home back in top condition again. Call us today for a free estimate!

Got Questions? We Got Answers

What is hydrostatic testing?

A hydrostatic pressure test is the primary test for a sewer line system. We place a rubber test balloon in the line, creating a known stoppage point.

From there, we fill the system under the home with water and subject it to pressure. We mark a specific point, either in the cleanout or the tub/shower, and then wait for 20 minutes. The water should maintain that set level. Failure to hold and maintain that same level would require the test to be repeated to validate accuracy.
If the test fails, then we typically follow up with a video inspection using a sewer camera. This allows us to look for obvious signs of failures such as root infiltration, mud, bad fittings, sewer line bellies, etc.

How often should hydrostatic testing be done?

We typically only perform these tests when a sewer line break is suspected, after foundation repairs, or after the completion of other major renovation works.

However, if your home was built before 1990 and/or you know you have a cast iron sewer pipe system, we recommend scheduling a hydrostatic test as soon as possible to check your system’s integrity.

What does a pressure test fail mean?

If your property’s plumbing system fails a hydrostatic pressure test, that indicates a leak or compromised pipe somewhere in the system. The next step is typically a camera inspection, which can help us pinpoint the exact depth and location of the issue.

If we can’t find the problem this way OR we think there may be multiple issues, we will move to other methods such as isolation testing for the various branch arms of the system.

How long does a hydrostatic pressure test take?

Standard residential tests may take two to three hours from the moment we arrive to the moment we leave, with the test itself taking a minimum of 20 minutes.

That said, larger homes or commercial buildings may take longer. Ultimately, the size and complexity of the plumbing system will determine the length of time it takes to complete a test.

Have more questions? We have the answers – check out our FAQ page!
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Our Drain & Sewer Services

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Learn the Advantages of Hydrostatic Testing

We primarily use hydrostatic pressure testing to confirm and/or locate breaks in your main sewer line. We can also use them after foundation repairs are performed to ensure no damage was done to your main line. If this test is being done after foundation repairs, we will write a letter acknowledging our findings for your records and warranty purposes.

We also strongly recommend this service to North DFW homeowners whose houses were built before 1990. That’s because many homes of this age were built with cast iron pipe sewer systems. The expected longevity of a cast iron sewer system is around 50 years, but because of the DFW area’s soil type, they’re more likely to last 35-40 years at most. A hydrostatic test can help you plan ahead for a total sewer pipe replacement before it surprises you.

Call (945) 523-8700

Choose Frisco’s Local Drain & Sewer Experts for Hydrostatic Testing

Whether you need to confirm your plumbing’s integrity after repair work or are concerned about a sewer line break, Earl’s Plumbing is on your side. We’ll use only the best and most appropriate diagnostic tests to pinpoint the cause of concern and use our expertise to develop the right course of action for repairs. Call today for a free estimate and to schedule your service appointment.