1.

Leak testing of Underground Drainage pipes (HDPE SDR 26)

1.1. A suitable bend together with a vertical length of pipe is fitted at the head of the drain to provide
the necessary test head. Test plug installed lower end of the pipe as shown in the figure. The
system is then filled with water.
1.2. A test pressure of 2 m head above the crown of the pipe is applied at the higher end of the drain
ensuring that the resultant head at the lower end does not exceed 3.0 m. where gradients are
steep, it may be necessary to test in sections to avoid exceeding this figure.

1.3. Allow the water to stand for 15 minutes minimum for absorption. After 15 minutes, ensure the
water level have not dropped for satisfactory completion of leak test.
1.4. All pipe joints shall be exposed during testing for locating any leaks in the joints.
1.5. In the event of the failure of any test the defect shall be located & repaired and retested. The
satisfactorily completion of the test will be witnessed by a QA/QC Engineers and the MEP
consultant.
1.6. The source of any leakage should be visible and defective part of the pipe work should be
removed and made good.
1.7. During the water test, strutting precautions should be taken to prevent any movement of the
drainage pipe.
1.8. Following satisfactory completion of the hydrostatic testing, the remainder of the pipe surround
can be placed and the trench backfilled.
1.9. Backfill straight partial pipe section and release water. Backfilling of the trench shall be done.
Complete the backfilling and proceed with installation of warning tapes maximum depth of 300
mm from finish floor level.