Pressure testing plumbing in a vacant home

Pressure testing plumbing in a vacant home

Rental Property Investor · Drums, PA · Member since 2017 · 345 posts · 365 votes
Just went under contract on a bank foreclosure. The building has been vacant for a year and utilities are off. The bank is unwilling to turn anything on for my inspector to test. That said, I’m planning on having a plumber do a pressure test on the plumbing to check for leaks. Any other suggestions out there aside from additional having a traditional inspection?? Thanks!
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  • JD MartinBusiness Member
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    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    8y
    This is not foolproof, but it can be pressurized with an air compressor at low pressure, about 50-60 pounds. Some plumbers will turn off all the valves at faucets and the toilet so that you are checking only the distribution piping.
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  • Rental Property Investor · Upstate, NY · Member since 2012 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    From experience I'm not convinced on the air purge method.Instead I use a 3/4 HP submersible pump in a 5 gallon bucket & pump fluid (usually the pink 'food grade' RV anti-freeze) through the lines. I have also done it on boiler heating systems.

    I attach it to the system via an existing spigot. Run it at full pressure & make sure you get flow at the various faucets etc. Then wait as the pump runs for any signs of leaks. Obviously easier on single storied homes & still difficult behind walls etc unless you can hear the leaks or the drips.

    Once done you shut it down & leave the RV in the system to keep it winterized.

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