Do plumbers generally test residential PVC drains for leaks?

Users who are viewing this thread

Thekid1

Member
Messages
69
Reaction score
2
Points
8
Location
Long Island, NY
So I've done a fair share of attaching PVC together with primer and cement. Recently I have done some PVC drains in an apartment I'm building in the basement. The kitchen sink drain was a little odd since I had to 45 around a concrete jog in the wall. It was a tight spot and while inserting the pieces into each other behind the new 2x4 wall, there was one piece that pushed out of the fitting after gluing for a second but then I was able to push it back in. It was a tight spot so I wasn't able to twist it as I was pushing it in.

So my question is, do plumbers usually test the drains somehow before sheet rock goes up to ensure PVC drains are leak free, or just hope for the best? I was thinking to fill the drain line with water and let it sit for a while to see. Or while I know DWV is not rated for high pressure, would maybe 5psi be a bad idea just to test for leaks?

Also, just out of curiosity, I noticed on the primer/glue that's sold at home depot, there is a temperature rating on the glue that to me seems a lot lower than the hot water temperature we usually dump down our drains in our houses? What gives?
 

Breplum

Licensed plumbing contractor
Messages
1,904
Reaction score
767
Points
113
Location
San Francisco Bay Area
We always test by creating min. ten ft. of head, unless making a small branch extension or minor adjustment, in which case we use a flow test with a pressurized water stream.
Temp. rating refers to installation process.
 

Weekend Handyman

Active Member
Messages
436
Reaction score
130
Points
43
Location
Nova Scotia
… we use a flow test with a pressurized water stream.

Meaning you run the water and see if it leaks?

As a home owner dealing with minor repairs/projects I fill whatever I am dealing with (sink, tub, etc.), let it rip, and check for leaks. The bar is obviously higher for professionals.
 
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