How to do a pressure test on a return line

[pauster]

Hi,

I have a 20K g vinyl pool woth 4 returns, 2 in the corner of tha pool, and 2 in the steps.

The 2 in the steps were disconnected at the pump by the previous owner (1 1/2 PVC pipe sawn off where it comes out of the ground) and the return outlets plugged with these winterizing plugs.

I think they might be leaking; if not I would want to put them back in service.

What do I need to do a pressure test on them ? I have a compressor but what kind of fittings do I need and where can I get them ? I have not been able to find stuff through google.

Thanks

Patrick

[mas985]

I would do a water pressure test instead of an air test. Plug one end of the pipe. For the other end use PVC adapters down to a 3/4 " hose adapter. Use your garden hose to pressurize and fill the pipes. You might want to plumb in a pressure gauge as well. All the parts can be found at your local Home Depot PVC section and drip irrigation section.

[Poconos]

Pat,
Check my posts in the thread below. I posted a description and pics of the jig I built for pressure testing with air.
Al
http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=261

[pauster]

Thanks guys - I guess I'll try the water test first. So I hook up the garden hose, turn it on, record the pressure, turn off the garden hose and see if the pressure drops over time ? How long do I have to wait and how much a drop is considered not a leak ?

Just wondering,

Patrick, a recent (1 week) BBB convert

[waste]

pauster, you need to have a trustworthy valve included for the water test. You need to know that the 'rig' you're using to test will hold pressure in and by itself. Make sure to have 4 wraps of teflon tape on all treaded connections and o-rings where applicable, if you glue any parts of it together make sure you follow the directions for cure time before putting any pressure through it.(personal experience - I almost had my head taken off by a 3" cap that I had just glued and one of my coworkers shoved 30 - 40 psi into the line) I would make the tester so that it ended in a 1.5" M/A that you could screw into one of the returns and cap the sawed off end to do the test. Definately have a pressure gauge on the tester. Take the pressure up to 10 psi and shut the valve. Watch the gauge, a big leak won't even let you hold 10 psi without the water still running through it, a small leak will 'tick' down (~1/2 psi at a time drop). If you see no movement on the gauge after a minute, you're good, though if the line is good it will hold that pressure indefinately.
Welcome to the forum! If you have any ?s about what I've suggested, post them and I'll get back to you tomorow or Sat.