Homemade Pipe Plug to Test New DWV

Users who are viewing this thread

Spider

New Member
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Ohio
I'm installing a basement bathroom and plan to fill the new piping with water to test. I plan on gluing caps on the drains to be cut off after testing and filling the vent with a hose on the roof.

I know you can find test ball plugs for as low as $20 some places, but I'm doing this on a pretty tight budget and I hate to drop $20 on something I'll only use once.

My question is are there other options besides a test ball plug to plug the main drain connection at a cleanout? Anyone ever tried using a tire inner tube to plug the drain? I don't want to use air because then I'd have to plug the drain and the vent, right?
 

Reach4

Well-Known Member
Messages
38,796
Reaction score
4,412
Points
113
Location
IL
I have a friend who used a toy ball with a needle inflation valve to block a 4-inch sewer line. He pumped the ball up with a manual tire pump. Insert the needle to release the pressure.

I think he maybe put the ball into a thin cloth cylinder to serve as a handle to retain the ball so it did not wash down the sewer when not inflated. I am unclear on that part.
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,942
Reaction score
3,458
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
cherne_long_test_ball.jpg


These come with a chain, and a large metal loop to prevent the entire test-ball from sucking down the pipe when the air is released. I would hate for an inner tube to be sucked down into the piping. I frankly don't know how you could even fit one down. The test balls are long and thin.

cherne_clean_seal_1.gif


And the other one I like to use. There is no chance of this one winding up in the drain.
 
Last edited:

Spider

New Member
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Ohio
I like the look of that clean-seal. What do those cost? Any idea what a rental place would charge for a test ball plug? If I end up using a toy ball, I'll definitely take pictures and post my results.
 

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,942
Reaction score
3,458
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
I like the look of that clean-seal. What do those cost? Any idea what a rental place would charge for a test ball plug? If I end up using a toy ball, I'll definitely take pictures and post my results.

About $35.00 for the Cherne clean-seal
I would worry about a toy ball for plugging that. If it goes down the drain, your problems increase.
We used to cap the end of the pipe, and then get a washdown when we broke out the cap. That was always fun. :eek:
 

Spider

New Member
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Ohio
I wouldn't mind a nice shower, if there wasn't already a bunch of junk in the basement. Thanks for the info. I'm thinking i'll stick an inner tube in there with a rope tied around it. Thanks for all the info and stay tuned for results. :)
 

Asktom

Member
Messages
745
Reaction score
32
Points
18
Location
Victor, MT
I think the down side of what could happen doesn't justify the savings and reserve the right to say, "I told you so".
 

Spider

New Member
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Ohio
I think the down side of what could happen doesn't justify the savings and reserve the right to say, "I told you so".

What could possibly go wrong? ;) If water leaks by it'll just go to the main drain. If it does get loose, the only thing down stream is the main drain line that exits the house.

Still, after popping an inner tube in a test pipe today I may spring for the plug.
 

Spider

New Member
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Ohio
I ended up springing for a hot dog plug and I'm glad I did really. It was easy to use, which really helped when I had to drain the lines to fix a drip while pressure testing. Thanks for the advice.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Jeff H Young

In the Trades
Messages
8,759
Reaction score
2,166
Points
113
Location
92346
Well heres a way if its in a ditch put a glue in cap at the furthest down hillof sewer. then glue on a wye, on the branch put a 4 inch pc of pipe and a jim cap now run your whole system fill with water. after test loosten jim cap let it blow then knock out test cap carefully retrieve. easy as pie . sorry i didnt notice thread is as old as dirt but cant cancel
 
Last edited:
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks