Use and Care Guide

42
Cast Iron Installation
The Smoke Test
Should a smoke test be specified by an engineer, architect,
or plumbing code, proceed as follows:
1. Permanently connect all fixtures and fill all traps
with water.
2. Be prepared to test all parts of the plumbing drainage
and ventilation system.
3. Close all windows in the building until the test has
been completed.
4. Fill the system with a thick, penetrating smoke that
has been generated by one or more smoke-producing
machines.
5. When smoke begins to appear at the stack opening
on the roof, close off that opening.
The Peppermint Test
This test is most often used in older installations to detect
faulty plumbing.
1. Permanently connect all fixtures and fill all traps
with water.
2. Be prepared to test all parts of the plumbing drainage
and ventilation system.
3. Close all windows in the building until the test has
been completed.
4. Mix two ounces of peppermint oil with one gallon of
hot water.
5. Pour the mixture into the system’s roof opening.
6. Tightly close the roof opening.
7. Have a person other than the one that poured the
mixture into the system inspect the system for any
odor of peppermint.
8. Inspect all system points, connections, and fixtures.
There should be no odor of peppermint within the
building.
6. Continue filling the system with smoke until a
pressure equal to one inch of water is built up.
7. Maintain this pressure for fifteen minutes or longer,
as required to test the entire system.
8. Check all components of the system to help ensure
that smoke is not escaping. Smoke should not be
visible at any point, connection, or fixture.
To reduce the risk of fire, smoke inhalation, chemical
inhalation or burns, never use chemical mixtures for
producing smoke. These mixtures may be dangerous and
can cause serious personal injury.
TESTING AND INSPECTION
• NEVER test with or transport/store
compressed air or gas in Cast Iron pipe
or fittings.
• NEVER test Cast Iron pipe or fittings
with compressed air or gas.
• ONLY use Cast Iron pipe and fittings
for drain, waste and vent or sanitary
sewer applications.
Testing with or use of compressed air or gas in Cast Iron
pipe or fittings can result in explosive failures and cause
severe injury or death.