What process should be followed when pressure testing a plumbing system?

When pressure testing a plumbing system, the correct process involves introducing air or water under a specified pressure and then monitoring for leaks. This method is essential because it allows the technician to determine if the plumbing system can withstand the required pressure without any failures, which is critical for ensuring the integrity and safety of the system.

By using air or water, the tester can effectively identify leaks at joints, fittings, and along the pipes. The specified pressure is often set based on the system's requirements to ensure that it can operate safely under normal conditions.

While checking fittings and joints for tightness is an important step in maintaining a plumbing system, it does not replace the need for a formal pressure test. Draining the system before testing is not typically required, as the test's purpose is to assess the system's capability to hold pressure while filled with either air or water. Using only air without any water can also be risky, especially if the system is designed to handle fluid; air testing may not reveal certain types of leaks that water would. Thus, introducing air or water as appropriate under controlled parameters is the established and safest method for pressure testing plumbing systems.