Hydrostatic Pressure Testing (Hydrotesting)

Hydrostatic Pressure Testing (Hydrotesting)

Eng Tech Services Water Management Ltd. undertake Hydrostatic Pressure Testing of Water Mains and Pipelines in accordance with WIS 4-01-03:2024, IGN 4-01-03 2015: Issue 2, BS EN 805:2025 and Uisce Éireann Code of Practice for Water Infrastructure.

Hydrostatic Pipeline Pressure Testing (Hydro testing) is a requirement for all newly constructed water supply pipelines / water mains prior to connection to an existing water / Irish Water network. It is carried out on all pipe types following the welding / installation process. Pipe types include PE (HDPE & MDPE), PVC, DI (Ductile Iron), Steel & GRP mains.

​The test is carried out at pre-commissioning stage prior to Disinfection (Chlorination & De-Chlorination) and is used to determine the integrity of the pipe, joints, fittings and other components and will highlight any leaks, if present.

Pipelines are pressurised using Pressure Regulated Hydrostatic Test Pumps which are connected to the Pipeline through Test Manifolds. These manifolds include Data Loggers, Digital and Analogue Gauges and Flow Meters. Pump sizes are varied to suit the length and diameter of the pipe being tested.

When testing "Creep Reactive" materials such as PE the Data Loggers record the pressure losses as the molecular structure relaxes and provide the pressure decay data necessary to carry out a thorough analysis of soundness in accordance with IGN 4-01-03 Issue 2 2015, WIS 4-01-03:2024 and BS EN 805:2025.

Testing Pipework such as Ductile Iron, Steel & GRP are completed using the same equipment but using different test procedures and analysis methods. The most appropriate method will depend on the pipe diameter and length. Results are correlated against the Standard Allowable Leakage Rates and Allowable Pressure Losses as set out in IGN 4-01-03 Issue 2 2015 or Calculated from the formulas provided in BS EN 805:2025. The most frequently used test is the Water Loss Test, but the Pressure Loss Test may be allowable in certain circumstances.

Our engineers and technicians ensure the correct Hydrostatic Test procedure is used and tests are carried out safely and accurately in the shortest possible time with minimal disruption.