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Section 38 – Sewer and Storm Drain Construction

tested so long as pressure is maintained in the line. It is further recommended that no internal

pressure of more than nine pounds per square inch, gauge (9 psig) be permitted except for leak

location equipment where the plugs are firmly tied together.

38-10.02.C.(2) Relief Valve

All pressurizing equipment used for low-pressure air testing shall include a regulator or relief

valve set no higher than nine pounds per square inch, gauge (9 psig) to avoid over-pressurizing

and displacing temporary or permanent plugs. As an added safety precaution, the pressure in

the test section should be continuously monitored to make certain that it does not at any time

exceed nine pounds per square inch, gauge (9 psig). (Note: It may be necessary to apply

higher pressure at the control panel to overcome friction in the air supply hose during

38-10.02.C.(3) Equipment

38-10.02.C.(3)(a) Plug Design

Either mechanical or pneumatic plugs may be used. The Contractor shall internally restrain

or externally brace the plugs to the manhole wall as a safety precaution throughout the test.

Prior to any air pressure testing, all pipe plugs shall be checked with a soap solution to detect

any air leakage. If any leaks are found, the air pressure shall be released, the leaks eliminated,

and the test procedure started over again.

38-10.02.C.(3)(b) Singular Control Panel

To facilitate test verification by the Agency, all air used shall pass through a single, above

ground control panel.

38-10.02.C.(3)(c) Equipment Controls

The above ground air control equipment shall include a shut-off valve, pressure regulating

valve, pressure relief valve, input pressure gauge and a continuous monitoring pressure gauge

having a pressure range from zero (0) to at least ten (10) pounds per square inch (psi). The

continuous monitoring gauge shall be no less than four inches (4”) in diameter with minimum

divisions of 0.10 psi and an accuracy of ± 0.04 psi.

38-10.02.C.(3)(d) Separate Hoses

Two separate hoses shall be used: (1) to connect the control panel to the sealed line for

introducing low-pressure air, and (2) a separate hose connection for constant monitoring of air

pressure build-up in the line. This requirement greatly diminishes any chance for over-

pressurizing the line.

38-10.02.C.(3)(e) Pneumatic Plugs

If pneumatic plugs are utilized, a separate hose shall also be required to inflate the

pneumatic plugs from the above ground control panel.

38-10.02.C.(4) Line Preparation

38-10.02.C.(4)(a) Laterals, Stubs and Fittings

During storm drain construction all laterals, stubs and fittings into the storm drain test

section shall be properly capped or plugged so as not to allow for air loss that could cause an

erroneous air test result. It may be necessary and is always advisable to restrain gasketed

caps, plugs or short pipe lengths with bracing stakes, clamps and tie-rods or wire harnesses

over the pipe bells.

38-10.02.C.(4)(b) Pipe Wetting

Air may pass through some porous pipe materials. If such materials are used, the pipe

walls may be wetted to temporarily reduce the porosity of the material. Non-porous pipe

materials need not be wetted.