How to Pressure Test Pex Water Lines in New Construction?

How to pressure test PEX water lines in new construction? You can test including or excluding the water if you know the proper steps. And today, we will walk you through these 2 methods step by step.

If you have completed new construction, it’s definitely time for you to install PEX pipes, especially for your bathroom and kitchen water lines.

Well, that’s why this blog post is here to provide you with all these answers. So, keep on reading to know it all.

How to Pressure Test PEX Water Lines in New Construction?

You already know why these tests are so necessary. However, now you’ll know the detailed procedure of how you can actually proceed with these tests.

So, keep reading till the very end of this section!

The very first thing you need is a water pressure gauge. After that, take this pressure gauge, connect it with your main water pipeline, and then turn on the water flow. Remember, to take the readings of water pressure, and you need a continuous flow of water.

You might already have questions about how this entire testing procedure is conducted and how to pressure test water lines with water and without water.

Also, you will get some ideas on how much air pressure to test PEX water lines and many more.

The PEX Pressure Test Kit or Tools You Need

Well, many think, to carry out these tests, you need advanced tools. However, it’s not true at all! You only need three tools, and these are available everywhere.

1. Measuring Container (Make sure that the calibrations are accurate so that there are fewer chances of faulty results)
2. Stopwatch (Try getting the digital one as those are more accurate compared to the analog ones)
3. Pressure Gauge ( Ask the provider to show you a demo first before you purchase)

Well, this is just the starting of the entire section. Below are some simple steps you can follow to conduct a successful water pressure test.

How to Pressure Test water lines with water

Now, let’s commence with the water.

Step-1: Tun off All the Taps

Before you proceed with any other steps, it’s important that you turn off all your house’s taps. Ensure that not a single water supply has running water.

Moreover, if you even have any faulty water pipes with leakage, ensure that you seal them or hire a professional plumber to repair them for you.

Notes: If you want to see the most accurate results, then you must follow this step to avoid any kinds of hazardous outcomes

Step-2: Attach Your Water Pressure Gauge With the Water Pipeline or Tap

After you successfully carry out the first step, your next job is to attach the PEX pressure gauge tee with the main pipelines or taps to measure the water flow pressure.

To successfully attach the pressure gauge, you can connect it with the spigot of your tap. Afterward, connect it with the hose pipe and turn it on.

When you are finally done with this, allow all the water to flow at once. Ensure that you turn on the tap at full force. Then you’ll notice the gauge needle starts to fluctuate (this shows the pressure reading).

Note: The reading in the pressure gauge should have a range from 40 to 60 pressure per square inch (PSI). Any number from this range means the pressure of the water flow through the PEX pipes are ideal

Step-3: Check for the Water Flow Rate

Finally, when you have done all the hard work, you need a large measuring bucket with weight numbers on it. As the bucket starts to fill, keep taking notes of the weight.

Then simply do some elementary mathematics, divide the amount of water being filled by the time the bucket takes to fill.

Formula= Amount of Water  Time of the Water to Get Filled

How to Pressure Test PEX Water Lines Without Water?

You can also test your PEX water lines without water. However, it might seem a challenge, especially if you do it for the first time. When you slowly get the hang of it, you’ll know all the ins and outs of it.

So, in this section of the article, you’ll know the easiest way to pressure test your PEX water lines without the need for water. All you need is air to do this test!!

Step-1: Connect Compressor

Take your compressor and connect it to any one of the fitting ends of your PEX pipe. Set the line to an exact 120 psi when you are done with this.

Step-2: Keep an Eye on the Clock

Carry out this second step carefully. You need to keep a strict eye on the clock for thirty minutes and keep the pressure to 120 psi and after this time, quickly bring it down to 80 psi.

Step-3: Check Pressure for Second Fitting

After all these steps have been completed, you now have to check the pressure of your PEX pipelines in the second fitting, and you need to keep it for around 2 to 24 hours, depending on the pressure changes. 

Why is the Pressure Test Essential for PEX Water Lines?

Why do you think these pressure tests for your PEX pipes are essential? The entire purpose of these tests is to ensure the safety of the water lines. When water flows through your houses and apartments, you simply won’t have any issues during this water flow.

This is why these tests are a must, especially when you have completed new construction.

Moreover, you’ll know the correct pressure for your water flow through these pressure tests and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Expert’s Tip

Some experts’ tips may come in help of yours.

A supply piping system has a limited volume, so always stay careful so that you don’t overdo it.

Embedding a pressure compressor or gauge and a valve in the system needs to carry out with care. So, don’t pressurize any appliances or fixtures!

Keep the pressure gauge in its place during the test. Moving the gauge too much might interfere with accurate pressure calculations.

A Helpful Tutorial You May Need!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Bottom Line

Pressure testing is pretty important, especially for the safety of your home. However, after reading this entire blog post, you should now know how to pressure test pex water lines in new construction.

Yet, if you still want to gather more information, you can always consult with a professional plumber to help you out. But we believe that after you go through this entire article, you won’t have any issues whatsoever.

Till then, have safe plumbing!

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