Pressure Testing A Tank For Leaks

Pressure Testing A Tank For Leaks

Tank Leak Verification – Pressure Test

Tools Required: Water Pressure gauge

Objective: Determine if water heater is leaking from a repairable connection

To conduct a pressure test, follow these steps:

1. Install a pressure gauge on the drain valve outlet of the water heater.

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2. Open the drain valve. This will give you a pressure reading of the water heater.

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3. Close the cold-water inlet shut off valve to the water heater. Make sure all the hot water fixtures are turned off. This will create a closed system.

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4. Watch the pressure gauge to see if it holds pressure or drops off significantly.

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5. If the pressure gauge drops off rapidly with no evidence of water leaking around the water heater, a fixture may have been opened.

  • If pressure drops slowly and the water connections and fittings remain dry, the tank may have a leak.
  • If the pressure holds for 15 minutes or more, you can have confidence the tank is not leaking.