Replies

1. 
   SamT | Dec 19, 2003 11:16pm | #1

   DSorg,

   Water valves probably won't hold air. If you have soap tested all new work, you're probably ok. But don't hold me responsible for any future leaks.

   Remodel work is always suspect till it's been wet for a few days (weeks, months.)

   Make it wet before you cover it up.

   SamT

   "You will do me the justice to remember that I have always strenuously supported the right of every man to his opinion, however different that opinion may be to mine. He who denies to another this right, makes a slave of himself to his present opinion, because he precludes himself the right of changing it."   Thomas Paine

2. 
   DaveRicheson | Dec 19, 2003 11:20pm | #2

   Did you soap the valves?

   The only valves we are required to put in for the rough-in test are the pressure balancing valves for shower/baths that will be hidden in the walls once the dw is up. Everything else is just stubed out and capped. We are required to hold working pressure (60-65 lbs.) for  24 hours.  If it doesn't hold, there is a slow leak.

   I find that using a leak detecting liquid formulated for air cinditioning systems is a lot better the the old dish washing liquid and water. The product I use is called Big Blue, and will make real big bubbles at the smallest of leaks, no matter how slow.

   Another trick is to over charge the systen by 25 to 35 lbs, and soap everything at the higher pressure (80-100 psi guage). Be carefull that any valvels you have are rated for the higher test pressure or you damage them.

   Hope this helps.

   Dave

3. 
   Sphere | Dec 19, 2003 11:33pm | #3

   If you "found a couple of easy leaks.".whats a couple? 2..4..? I would wet it at pressure , then a couple of hard leaks will become "easy". You can still right them after it gets wet..just gotta be more diligent in your soldering skills. That is the best test.

1. 
   Scooter1 | Dec 19, 2003 11:41pm | #4

   At least here in California, Dave is right on. We pressurize the system with all valves closed at 65 lbs and it must hold that pressure for 24 hours. If not, you have a leak. It would not pass Code here. Find your leak.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

4. 
   BobKovacs | Dec 20, 2003 12:15am | #5

   Did you soap the valve stem in the air guage?  They're notorious for leaking themselves.

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Dec 20, 2003 02:52am | #6

   Good point Bob. Another place are the threads on the gauge manifold.

   Dave

1. 
   DavidThomas | Dec 20, 2003 03:16am | #7

   And the test gauge itself.  Has a little bicycle/car tire air valve?  Soap the sucker and check. I've seen them leak.David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska

1. 
   Sphere | Dec 20, 2003 03:26am | #8

   squirt a can of "fix a flat" in there..just don't go over 50 mph and 50 miles..and apply sticker warning it is in there..

1. 
   DSorg | Dec 20, 2003 06:42pm | #9

   Thanks guys, it DOES appear to be the guage itself, though I'm going to head out to find some of that Big Blue . All the pipe will remain exposed for at least a week after it's wet, too, so I can go looking for any wet spots.

2. 
   DavidThomas | Dec 20, 2003 09:00pm | #10

   What do I win?    :-)