ACMV System Method of Statement

The procedure for Hydrostatic Testing of Water Pipework is as follow:

Reference Documents

1. CIBSE Commissioning Code W – 1994 – Water Distribution Systems.

2. HVCA Guide to Good Practice For Site Pressure Testing of Pipework – 1994

Preparation

1. The following test instrumentation & tools will be required to undertake the tests
detailed within this procedure:
 Calibrated Pressure Gauge – Range: to suit test pressure at 2/3 to 3/4 of full
scale deflection in PSI or Bar, working pressure to be established and agreed
with Commissioning Manager prior to commencement of testing and stated on
test documentation.
 Test pressure is 1.5 or 2 times working pressure dependant upon area under
test – see item 5)
 Hand / Electric Pump and Tank.
 Suitable clean water supply.
2. Prior to hydrostatic test commencing the Contractor shall ensure the system is clean
and free from debris.
3. Sections of pipework to be tested are to be identified and marked on a drawing.
Attach a copy of the drawing to the test record sheet
4. Ensure all pipework is 100% complete, and that all joints, valves, fittings and
ancillaries are exposed in order to identify any leakage during test.
5. Identify required test pressure of section to be tested. (1.5 times working pressure in
normal areas and 2.0 times working pressure in critical areas)
6. Isolate or remove any fitted components that may be damaged by the proposed test
pressure.
7. Blank/plug or seal all open ends and close all valves at the limits of the test section of
the pipework. Valves may be supported by ‘spades’ (plates clamped between the
pipe flanges) to hold pressure wherever necessary, this especially important when
pipework is extended from an existing system where the integrity of the valve cannot
be guaranteed.
8. Ensure ALL valves are open all within the test section.
9. Check all high points have air vents fitted and that are closed for the test.
10. Confirm suitable water supply is available; both clean and suitable capacity .

Execution
1. Check that the test pressure gauge is of the correct range (2/3 to 3/4 of full scale
deflection at the test pressure) and has a current calibration certificate traceable to
national standards.
ACMV System Method of Statement

2. Where water damage may occur from leakage, pre-test the pipework using
compressed air at a low pressure (0.5 Bar) and check for leaks. (Ensure all other
trades are removed from the vicinity of the pipework under test.)
3. When filling the system with water, `walk` the system continuously checking for
leaks by the hissing sound of escaping air or signs of leakage.
4. Release air from high points systematically up through the sections of pipework
under test.
5. When the system is full of water, raise the pressure to test pressure:
 1.5 times working pressure for non-critical areas
 2.0 times working pressure for critical areas.
6. Remove pump and hose from pipework, and plug pump connection.
7. Record the initial pressure and time on test record sheet.
8. Test pressure must be maintained for a period of 24 hours within a tolerance of +2/-
2%.
9. Check pressure gauge after 4 hours for signs of drop / failure of test, if necessary
rectify any leakage or pump back to test pressure if there is air inside the system and
restart test.
10. Record final pressure observed upon completion of test period.
11. Release pressure from pipework test section.
12. If the system has to be drained down to remove spades or refit gauges / vulnerable
items, ensure that vents on cylinders, tanks, vessels, etc. are opened to atmosphere
before draining down, otherwise collapse under vacuum may occur.

Test Records Sheet

1. Only approved records sheet shall be accepted and witnessed.

2. All sheets must be completed at the time of testing so authorized signatures may be taken.
3. All computer data / printouts must be produced on the day of testing and signed by the
witnessing Engineer.