Plumbing Leak & Pressure Test
Pressure test the plumbing system; no leaks permitted. Documented via the LEED-format Water Pressure and Leak Verification Report.
Spec
Applies uniformly from Certified upward.
Scope
All cold- and hot-water supply piping inside the dwelling envelope, from the point of entry (meter or well pressure tank) through every fixture connection.
Requirements
- 01.
Pressurize the supply system per local plumbing code (typically 60-100 psi static or 1.5× working pressure, whichever is higher).
- 02.
Hold the test pressure for the code-required duration (commonly 15 minutes for the basic test) with all fixtures closed.
- 03.
Pressure must hold with zero observable drop. Any pressure loss requires the leak to be located and repaired before retesting.
- 04.
On new construction, the test must be performed before drywall is closed in over the supply lines.
Documentation
Evidence the inspector / Institute will need.
- 01.
Completed LEED-format Water Pressure and Leak Verification Report (or equivalent) signed by the plumber or GreenHome Inspector.
- 02.
Photo or scan of the pressure-test gauge at start and end of the hold period (if available).
Guidance
Why it matters
A single 1/16-inch supply-line leak behind drywall can waste 15+ gallons per day and cause thousands of dollars in moisture damage before being noticed. The pressure test is the single most cost-effective failure check in residential plumbing.
Field procedure
Most plumbers run this as part of rough-in. For existing-home retrofits:
- 01.
Isolate
Shut off all fixtures and close the main shutoff temporarily; open one fixture briefly to confirm system pressure has not fluctuated.
- 02.
Gauge
Attach a pressure gauge at the outdoor hose bib or a service tee. Note the static pressure.
- 03.
Hold
Re-pressurize and observe the gauge for the required hold period. A drop of even 1-2 psi indicates a leak.
- 04.
Locate
If pressure drops, isolate sections (hot vs. cold, upper vs. lower floors) by closing intermediate valves and re-running to narrow down the location.
Note
Pressure tests do not catch slow leaks at fittings under normal operating pressure that only show up under thermal cycling. Bath fan and water-leak inspections during the moisture assessment cover those.