Testing Plumbing Installations

Testing your plumbing installation is crucial to ensure its safety, reliability and compliance. BS 806 provides guidance on the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of plumbing systems that supply water for domestic purposes. Following this standard helps ensure that your system is fit for purpose, minimises health risks, and operates efficiently. We'll cover some of the main aspects of what is required in this article.

Key Testing Procedures

The testing process for plumbing installations generally involves three stages: visual inspection, pressure testing, flushing and disinfection. Each stage ensures that the system meets the required safety and performance standards.

Visual Inspection

Before any pressure or disinfection testing, a comprehensive visual inspection of the installation should be conducted. This step is essential for identifying visible defects that could affect system performance.

Steps for visual inspection:

1. Check all Fixtures and Fittings
   Inspect all pipe joints, fittings, and connections for signs of damage or potential leaks.

2. Inspect Pipe Supports
   Ensure that all pipes are adequately supported and correctly installed to prevent sagging or stress.

3. Compliance with Design Plans
   Ensure the installation matches the design plans and specifications, particularly regarding pipe routing and fixture locations.

Pressure Testing

Pressure testing ensures the integrity of the plumbing system by subjecting it to pressures higher than normal operational conditions. This test checks for leaks and verifies that the system can handle the expected pressures during regular use.

Steps for testing system pressure:

1. Isolate the System
   Close all outlets, including taps and valves, to ensure that the system is entirely sealed.

2. Fill with Water
   Slowly fill the system with water, ensuring all air is expelled from the pipes.

3. Apply Test Pressure
   The test pressure should be 1.65 times the system’s maximum operating pressure. This pressure should be maintained for at least 30 minutes.

4. Monitor for Leaks
   During the test, inspect all joints, valves, and fittings for signs of leaks. Any pressure drops indicate a potential issue that needs to be addressed.

5. Record the Results
   Document the test pressure, duration, and any observations. If leaks are found, repairs must be made, and the system retested.

Flushing Your system

Flushing your system is crucial for removing debris, sediments, or residues that could damage the installation or pose a risk to users. If the system is not put into use immediately, it should be flushed every seven days to maintain water quality and prevent contamination.

Steps for flushing your system can be as so:

1. Flushing The System
   To increase flow during flushing, components like aerators, shower heads, and strainers should be removed. Service valves should be fully opened. Filters that cannot be removed should be backwashed following the flushing process to ensure they are clear of debris.

2. Disinfection
   For smaller premises or minor alterations, disinfection is not always necessary but for more substantial installations it is important to ensure that the water system is free of harmful bacteria and other contaminants before it is put into service.

3. Documentation
   Record all disinfection procedures, including concentrations, retention times, flushing volumes, and test results.

Important Considerations

Compliance and Safety

• Always follow health and safety protocols during testing, especially when working with high pressures and disinfection chemicals.

• Ensure that the testing procedures comply with local water regulations and building codes.

System Flushing and Water Quality

• It is very important to flushing the system to remove any contaminants that could affect water quality.

• Flushing should be done until the water runs clear, with no visible particulates.

Testing Frequency

• New installations must be tested before being put into service.

• Systems should also be tested after significant modifications or repairs to verify their integrity.

Final Steps and Certification

Once all tests have been completed, you should ensure that all results are documented comprehensively. This documentation serves as a record of compliance and is often required for final sign-off by inspectors or building control authorities.

Conclusion

Testing your plumbing installation according to BS 806 is an essential process that ensures the system’s safety, performance, and compliance with current standards. By conducting thorough visual inspections, pressure testing, and disinfection, you can identify potential issues, confirm the system’s integrity, and guarantee the quality of the water supply. Proper documentation of all procedures also helps demonstrate adherence to the standard, providing peace of mind for both installers and end-users.

Flowflex products are designed with these standards in mind, ensuring that our valves, fittings, and plumbing components not only meet but exceed the requirements of BS 806. Our commitment to quality and compliance means that when you choose Flowflex, you’re selecting components engineered for reliability, safety, and performance. Whether you’re installing a new system or maintaining an existing one, you can trust Flowflex to help you achieve a plumbing installation that fully complies with all standards, safeguarding your water supply and delivering long-lasting results.