Sewer & Pipe Testing Equipment

A low-pressure air test pressurizes an isolated section of pipe (typically to around 4–5 PSI) and watches for pressure loss over a timed hold. It’s the standard acceptance test for new sanitary sewer laterals and DWV systems — a drop means a leaking joint or fitting that needs repair before the line goes into service.

A vacuum test head seals the manhole opening, a pump draws the structure down to a specified vacuum, and the tester measures how long the manhole holds it. Hold times by manhole size are set by the ASTM C1244 standard; passing proves the joints, seals, and pipe penetrations are tight — in minutes, without filling the structure with water.

Instead of testing a whole run, an Air-Loc joint tester travels inside large-diameter pipe and pressure-tests each joint individually. Failed joints are located exactly — not just detected somewhere in the run — which is why large-diameter acceptance specs frequently require it.

To find leaks that aren’t visible: an air test proves a new or repaired line holds pressure, and a smoke test traces odor complaints or illegal connections by pushing visible smoke through the system. We stock the air-testing side (plugs, manometers, joint testers); call us about smoke-testing gear availability.

Setup usually takes longer than the test. Once the section is plugged and pressurized, hold times run from a few minutes on small laterals to longer, spec-defined holds on larger diameters — the governing spec (often the local utility’s standard or ASTM) sets the exact time for the pipe size.

Yes. Joint testers and vacuum heads are configured and freight-quoted per project — call (866) 514-3684 with your pipe sizes and the spec section you’re bidding, and we welcome tax-exempt municipal purchasing.