0.5mb drop on tightness test - Should I be worried?

[JTplumbingservices]

You dont need to do a TT on a service

Unless you

Overkill ? Sorry mate but I disagree with that term. A gas pipe should be tested with a lot higher pressure than just 30mbar. You have to check the pipe under a load test which means with higher pressure than the one you will have when the pipe is in use. You will test the material and joints for weaknesses , hairline cracks or pinholes which are covered by slag. Due to the higher pressure you make sure to find those weaknesses or cracks which you won’t find by mbar.

But the pressure in the pipe is in mbar, we’re only talking about domestic installation pipework with a working pressure of 19-23 mbar and standing pressure usually a few mbar higher than that so why the need to test to 1 bar?

 

[Sharp Point]

I know that but we having a discussing about what is right and what is wrong. I personally have a different approach to checking and testing gaspipes.

Do you live in the U.K.?

 

[Old Account]

so do you remove the boiler cooker and fires to do the test as these can only take 20 mbar

Yes, you would need to otherwise you will ruin the appliances. You can only test them via there operating pressure as you know. But when it comes to testing the pipework throughout the property when installed new then you will need to use the appropriate fittings to cap them off and test them with higher pressure ( but that’s the way we do it in Germany ). We do 2 test before bedding pipes into the concrete, load testing ( 1bar with air or N ) for 30min -1hour and then a 15 min test leak test.

Sorry but it is difficult to explain german terms in English. I think you can’t be careful enough when it comes to gas. I know it’s done differently here and I do whatever is required but I would wish few things would be different.

 

[Sharp Point]

Unless you

But the pressure in the pipe is in mbar, we’re only talking about domestic installation pipework with a working pressure of 19-23 mbar and standing pressure usually a few mbar higher than that so why the need to test to 1 bar?

If I can decipher his posts, I think the gas pipework in his home country is welded and welded joints can be terrible, so it makes sense to test at much higher pressure

 

[Old Account]

Unless you

But the pressure in the pipe is in mbar, we’re only talking about domestic installation pipework with a working pressure of 19-23 mbar and standing pressure usually a few mbar higher than that so why the need to test to 1 bar?

We have also 18-25mbar but when it comes to test pipework we have to undertake those tests and get that printed off with a special machine.

 

[Old Account]

Do you live in the U.K.?

Yes

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes, you would need to otherwise you will ruin the appliances. You can only test them via there operating pressure as you know. But when it comes to testing the pipework throughout the property when installed new then you will need to use the appropriate fittings to cap them off and test them with higher pressure ( but that’s the way we do it in Germany ). We do 2 test before bedding pipes into the concrete, load testing ( 1bar with air or N ) for 30min -1hour and then a 15 min test leak test.

Sorry but it is difficult to explain german terms in English. I think you can’t be careful enough when it comes to gas. I know it’s done differently here and I do whatever is required but I would wish few things would be different.

dont want to be rude but your / were not in germany doesnt matter what the german standards are there not ours

 

[JTplumbingservices]

We have also 18-25mbar but when it comes to test pipework we have to undertake those tests and get that printed off with a special machine.

So how would you carry out a tightness test in a domestic property after making an alteration to the installation pioework ?

 

[Old Account]

If I can decipher his posts, I think the gas pipework in his home country is welded and welded joints can be terrible, so it makes sense to test at much higher pressure

Yes back in Germany we have steel pipe, malleable pipes, copper pipes which could be welded, screwed or crimped. So I am just trying to say that it would be good if we had 0 tolerances as well as checking pipes slightly different. But as we know it is different in each country. I think you would find much more leaks when pipes are tested with higher pressure and it would just help to rectify the leaks before something horrible happens.

 

[Old Account]

dont want to be rude but your / were not in germany doesnt matter what the german standards are there not ours

You aren’t rude. You are quite right and I agree with that. I was just mentioning my own opinion as we had a discussed about zero tolerances. I just tried to explain few more things in depth. But if you understand my point of view I think you would agree with me that I am not so wrong.

 

[Sharp Point]

I’d like to see the statistics between Germany and the U.K. on gas explosions from leaks, that’ll be interesting

 

[Scott_D]

If I can decipher his posts, I think the gas pipework in his home country is welded and welded joints can be terrible, so it makes sense to test at much higher pressure

welded should be better than any soldered joint!

We should test at 20mb to avoid regulator lockout and not testing pioework the other side of it

 

[Old Account]

So how would you carry out a tightness test in a domestic property after making an alteration to the installation pioework ?

As normal checking ecv Letby 10mbar and after that tightness test of 20mbar

 

[JTplumbingservices]

As normal checking ecv Letby 10mbar and after that tightness test of 20mbar

So you’d be happy with it holding at 20mbar for 3 mins ?

 

[Old Account]

I’d like to see the statistics between Germany and the U.K. on gas explosions from leaks, that’ll be interesting

That would be interesting to me too.

 

[Old Account]

welded should be better than any soldered joint!

We should test at 20mb to avoid regulator lockout and not testing pioework the other side of it

You are right scott. I know that and that’s you would not be able to test the pipework with higher pressures. You would need to test them without having anything connected. We also check only the downstream side of it

 

[Sharp Point]

welded should be better than any soldered joint!

We should test at 20mb to avoid regulator lockout and not testing pioework the other side of it

Not everyone can weld, lots of people can solder. Soldering is easy... you can pretty heat the front of the fitting and add solder... job done( usually)
Try welding a small pipe with tig/ stick / mig

Different story..

So no, welded joints could potentially leak

 

[Old Account]

So you’d be happy with it holding at 20mbar for 3 mins ?

Of course. According to what I learned here I am happy with 3min holding the pressure at 20mbar. If I can’t smell gas

 

[Old Account]

Not everyone can weld, lots of people can solder. Soldering is easy... you can pretty heat the front of the fitting and add solder... job done( usually)
Try welding a small pipe with tig/ stick / mig

Different story..

So no, welded joints could potentially leak

Agree with you. Welding is practing it comes with time. You will need to do it very regularly to have a good decent weld done which doesn’t leak. Do you actually learn welding in apprenticeships? I remember we had to bend steel pipe with sand, welding joints, soldering copper, brazing, ... using basically all kind of materials and fittings.

 

[Sharp Point]

No, steel welding isn’t part of plumbing qualifications, lead welding is though.

 

[JTplumbingservices]

Of course. According to what I learned here I am happy with 3min holding the pressure at 20mbar. If I can’t smell gas

So what’s the purpose of the 1 bar test if your happy with the 20mbar test ?

 

[Old Account]

No, steel welding isn’t part of plumbing qualifications, lead welding is though.

We don’t do lead at all. It’s forbidden and should be cut out when seen. Very unhealthy stuff.

 

[Harvest Fields]

dont want to be rude but your / were not in germany doesnt matter what the german standards are there not ours

Different argument but quoting German stats again Ron. One day working to German regs will get you in to trouble. But you know best. Best to leave him to it @ShaunCorbs

 

[Old Account]

Different argument but quoting German stats again Ron. One day working to German regs will get you in to trouble. But you know best. Best to leave him to it @ShaunCorbs

You did not get my point harvest. I was saying that I stick to the rules here but would love to see some changes. The above statements are just my opinions nothing more or less. I am not working according to german standards, first of all I don’t have the parts and materials to carry out such a great work which is obviously a downside but it is what it is. It seems like you misunderstand me quite often. It is either down to my English or perhaps my understanding of your language.

So just to clarify, I stick to the rules and regs over here but have a different approach to what is right and wrong. I am just having a different opinion about plumbing in uk and in Germany. Have you ever been to Germany? Perhaps you should give it a go and come to see some of the plumbing events. Next one this year I would like to invite you and show you around if you are up for it

 

[Sharp Point]

You did not get my point harvest. I was saying that I stick to the rules here but would love to see some changes. The above statements are just my opinions nothing more or less. I am not working according to german standards, first of all I don’t have the parts and materials to carry out such a great work which is obviously a downside but it is what it is. It seems like you misunderstand me quite often. It is either down to my English or perhaps my understanding of your language.

So just to clarify, I stick to the rules and regs over here but have a different approach to what is right and wrong. I am just having a different opinion about plumbing in uk and in Germany. Have you ever been to Germany? Perhaps you should give it a go and come to see some of the plumbing events. Next one this year I would like to invite you and show you around if you are up for it

I’ll come, as long as you can buy me some cheap Vw high power race parts, from some of the German engineering companies

 

[Old Account]

I’ll come, as long as you can buy me some cheap Vw high power race parts, from some of the German engineering companies

I can’t promise to get you vw parts but the event is the biggest in Germany which is fun.

 

[Sharp Point]

I can’t promise to get you vw parts but the event is the biggest in Germany which is fun.

What and get that ‘Vaillant’ crap rammed down my throat for the day.

 

[Harvest Fields]

What and get that ‘Vaillant’ crap rammed down my throat for the day.

Vaillant are awesome

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You did not get my point harvest. I was saying that I stick to the rules here but would love to see some changes. The above statements are just my opinions nothing more or less. I am not working according to german standards, first of all I don’t have the parts and materials to carry out such a great work which is obviously a downside but it is what it is. It seems like you misunderstand me quite often. It is either down to my English or perhaps my understanding of your language.

So just to clarify, I stick to the rules and regs over here but have a different approach to what is right and wrong. I am just having a different opinion about plumbing in uk and in Germany. Have you ever been to Germany? Perhaps you should give it a go and come to see some of the plumbing events. Next one this year I would like to invite you and show you around if you are up for it

Well you don’t as you’ve said you test gas carcass at 1 bar which could hide a small leak

 

[Old Account]

Vaillant are awesome

Agree with you even though I don’t like to but you are right

 

[Old Account]

Well you don’t as you’ve said you test gas carcass at 1 bar which could hide a small leak

Don’t think I ever mentioned that I test pipes in uk with 1bar. Yes I agree, I did say I would and that would be the appropriate way to pin point leaks, hairline cracks etc. But I never said I do and don’t stick to the uk rules. It’s a slight difference of having an opinion and doing it as I said I would. However, you won’t get my point as you always seem to look for excuses. Just admit for once that other people are right too and know their trade. Or are you to proud

 

[Sharp Point]

Vaillant are awesome

We’re all entitled to our own opinions

 

[Harvest Fields]

Yes, you would need to otherwise you will ruin the appliances. You can only test them via there operating pressure as you know. But when it comes to testing the pipework throughout the property when installed new then you will need to use the appropriate fittings to cap them off and test them with higher pressure ( but that’s the way we do it in Germany ). We do 2 test before bedding pipes into the concrete, load testing ( 1bar with air or N ) for 30min -1hour and then a 15 min test leak test.

Sorry but it is difficult to explain german terms in English. I think you can’t be careful enough when it comes to gas. I know it’s done differently here and I do whatever is required but I would wish few things would be different.

This doesn’t sound like an opinion mate. It sounds like standard practice.

 

[Sharp Point]

@Matchless.plumb , are there any unknown good German boilers that we don’t know of?

 

[Last Plumber]

@Harvest Fields Did you say another 100 or 100 in total?