Name a common method used to test plumbing pressure.

Hydrostatic testing is a widely used method for testing plumbing pressure. This technique involves filling the plumbing system with water and pressurizing it to a predetermined level, often significantly higher than the normal operating pressure. It is effective because water is nearly incompressible, allowing for the detection of leaks and weaknesses in the system. If any leaks are present, water will escape, indicating areas that need to be repaired or reinforced.

This method is standard practice during the installation of new plumbing systems or when existing systems undergo significant modifications. The advantages of hydrostatic testing include its safety and effectiveness, as water is non-toxic and typically poses minimal risk compared to gases used in other testing methods.

While other methods like pneumatic testing and vacuum testing are used in different contexts, hydrostatic testing is particularly reliable for assessing the integrity and strength of plumbing systems under pressure. Thermal testing, on the other hand, does not apply to pressure testing but rather to evaluating the insulation performance of pipes and determining thermal efficiency.