air test

David Sutton_6

I know for myself, if i install a new complete heating system i run up a air test to 25 lbs, let it sit over night, if i have a leak its easyer to clean up air than a puddle of water.after the air check come the hudro under temp and flushing of the dreaded flux build up....

David

SVDW

air test

We had a contractor recently call complaining about a "leaking" boiler on a new install. After going 'round & round the culprit was a loose flange needing a little more wrench to seal up. The contractor used an air test on the boiler instead of filling it with water. Is this a common practice with the Pro's here? I thought a hydrostatic test was the rule or is there some new trend I'm not aware of? Thanks to all who reply & Merry Christmas!

Al Letellier_9

testing

> We had a contractor recently call complaining

> about a "leaking" boiler on a new install. After

> going 'round & round the culprit was a loose

> flange needing a little more wrench to seal up.

> The contractor used an air test on the boiler

> instead of filling it with water. Is this a

> common practice with the Pro's here? I thought a

> hydrostatic test was the rule or is there some

> new trend I'm not aware of? Thanks to all who

> reply & Merry Christmas!



I always test BOTH ways....water will leak where air won't. Air will push dirt or debris into a leak spot and plug it, where water will cut right through it. We test all new work to 2x the working pressure with air, then fill and increase pressure with air to same test level.....if you've got a leak, you will find it.

Al Letellier_9

testing

I always test BOTH ways....water will leak where air won't. Air will push dirt or debris into a leak spot and plug it, where water will cut right through it. We test all new work to 2x the working pressure with air, then fill and increase pressure with air to same test level.....if you've got a leak, you will find it.

Unknown

Hydrostatic test is OK

for a replacement boiler , but a cold water test might not locate that pesky leak - where hot water or high pressure air would show the leak . On baseboard heat installs we air pump the zone to 50 lbs. , and if there's a leak you'll definitely hear it with that much pressure . Merry Christmas SPV .