Testing Procedure

ComfortPro Systems, LLC

8150 N. Lehigh

Morton Grove, IL 60053

Phone (800) 968-8905

Fax: (847) 967-1482

AquaHeat PEX Testing Procedure

General

Every radiant or snow melting system should be tested while all piping is still fully

exposed to insure that there are no leaks in the tubing system. This is a common sense

step in any application of piping. Further, it is a Warranty Requirement for all

AquaHeat PEX installations. If this step is omitted, there is no warranty from the

manufacturer of the tubing.

Timing

The pressure test must be performed after installation of all tubing circuit installations

are completed. The manifold and tubing system should be tested as an assembly.

There is no practical way to pressure test each individual circuit. The shutoff valves on

the manifold will not shut off against an 80 psig differential. If walls or a permanent

installation point for the manifold is not available, a temporary support should be

fabricated. The tubing ends and the manifold location will not change once installed, so

the manifold should be fastened to the temporary support at the correct elevation for the

permanent location.

Air or Water

The tubing system can be tested with either air pressure or hydrostatically with water.

Depending on the climatic conditions, the correct medium should be selected. Once

water is put in a radiant system it is almost impossible to drain it 100%. Unless it is

certain that no freezing temperatures will be experienced before system fill and

activation, air pressure is the safest selection. The automatic air vent that is supplied

with each manifold should be removed during the testing procedure.

Test Procedures

The manifold assembly must be completely isolated from the system piping during

testing. Both the supply and return connections must be available. The 1” return

manifold end should be fitted with a nipple and drain valve. The supply manifold should

be fitted with a nipple and charging valve to introduce and pressurize either the air or

water. A pressure gauge should be fitted to either side of the manifold to monitor

charge and retain pressure in the tubing system. The pressure gauge should be at

least 4” diameter so movement of the indicating needle can be easily read.

Once pressure tight and ready, air or water should be introduced into the system. If air

is used, the system should simply be charged to a pressure of at least 80 psig. If water

is used, the system should be filled and bled through the return manifold drain valve.

Each loop must be bled individually to make certain all air has been remove. Any

residual air left in the tubing will be absorbed into the test water and result in a false

indication of a leak.

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ComfortPro Systems, LLC 8150 N. Lehigh Morton Grove, IL 60053 Phone (800) 968-8905 Fax: (847) 967-1482 AquaHeat PEX Testing Procedure General Every radiant or snow melting system should be tested while all piping is still fully exposed to insure that there are no leaks in the tubing system. This is a common sense step in any application of piping. Further, it is a Warranty Requirement for all AquaHeat PEX installations. If this step is omitted, there is no warranty from the manufacturer of the tubing.
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The bonnets on the charging and drain valve should be tightened down securely for the lockdown period of the test. Minute leaks at these valves also can falsely indicate tubing leakage. Verification and Time Once the system is fully charged at 80 psig, the contractor should demonstrate the pressure readings to the project manager, engineer on site, or other authority having jurisdiction. The time of the inspection should be noted. The pressure charge must remain on the system for a minimum of 24 hours.