October 1, 20251 yr Hi everyone We would like to replicate the test that BC will want when they carry out the final inspection. I have asked them what they expect to see and the best and most detailed answer I could extract was, "a normal water test". I have bought the bung to close the pipe run furthest away from the house, and intend to fill the highest inspection chamber with water and monitor for water loss. Am I doing this right, do I need to block the soil vent pipes as with an air test , what is an "acceptable" water drop? Does anyone know of a simple guide for water testing, or could maybe answer a question above. Many thanks
October 1, 20251 yr The inspector didn’t show interest in any systems, apart from electrical test certificate. It may be as simple as opening the access chambers and flushing a toilet but I would wait until they ask.
October 1, 20251 yr Author They will want to see a drains test (already discussed it in the most 9 minutes ago, Bonner said: The inspector didn’t show interest in any systems, apart from electrical test certificate. It may be as simple as opening the access chambers and flushing a toilet but I would wait until they ask. and vague terms) and I'd like to test the system before needing to. If there are any problems better to know sooner rather than later.
October 1, 20251 yr Just fill it up then as you say see if water drops. I normally put 1m stubs on pipe and test each run when coming out of ground.
October 1, 20251 yr We water tested drains the same as @Oz07 , filling enough so any below ground joints were covered and check the water level after a few hours (no need to block vents). BC were more interested seeing the runs and connections than checking any test but it's well worth testing as expensive to fix later. All our soil stacks are external though, so no worries or testing for internal stacks that'll end up built in and hidden.
October 1, 20251 yr They hardly ever bother doing pressure test on single builds Make sure you have all you rubber seals on each riser and you will be fine
October 1, 20251 yr 2 hours ago, torre said: We water tested drains the same as @Oz07 , filling enough so any below ground joints were covered and check the water level after a few hours (no need to block vents). BC were more interested seeing the runs and connections than checking any test but it's well worth testing as expensive to fix later. All our soil stacks are external though, so no worries or testing for internal stacks that'll end up built in and hidden. Is there any benefit to internal/external stacks. Assume same temp air inside them so no thermal differences? Just neatness u suppose but square boxing in corner sometimes ruins the room
May 29May 29 Our Buildzone warranty BC person asked for drain test. We did one, videoed it, levels were fine. However, they won't accept our test and want one carried out by an independent 3rd party who has PI insurance. Seems this is going to cost us in excess of £400. We are self builders for a reason, but are continually scuppered by red tape!
May 29May 29 12 minutes ago, Caroline said: Our Buildzone warranty BC person asked for drain test. We did one, videoed it, levels were fine. However, they won't accept our test and want one carried out by an independent 3rd party who has PI insurance. Seems this is going to cost us in excess of £400. We are self builders for a reason, but are continually scuppered by red tape! Tell them you can set the test up and they can come and witness it. I would not want to spend £400 just because someone is being a numpty. Part of what you pay for is inspections.
October 7Oct 7 On 29/05/2026 at 16:26, Caroline said: Our Buildzone warranty BC person asked for drain test. We did one, videoed it, levels were fine. However, they won't accept our test and want one carried out by an independent 3rd party who has PI insurance. Seems this is going to cost us in excess of £400. We are self builders for a reason, but are continually scuppered by red tape! Our BC wants to witness a water drain test. @Caroline is there a website you went to to understand how to do it? We’ve found somewhere that hires the bing kit out for £40, so we’d like to do it ourselves if we can.
October 8Oct 8 Buy a bung, fill system up, extend all pipes to 1m above ground and brace. Fill up to top and time the water. What stage are you up to?
October 8Oct 8 8 hours ago, Oz07 said: Buy a bung, fill system up, extend all pipes to 1m above ground and brace. Fill up to top and time the water. What stage are you up to? I suggest you tie a cord around the bung and secure it to a stake so it doesn't disappear down the drain under pressure when your side is full of water. I speak from bitter experience.
October 8Oct 8 On 01/10/2025 at 06:42, Lincolnshire Ian said: ... Does anyone know of a simple guide for water testing, or could maybe answer a question above. ... Here's a simple practical guide - ( which we followed) Water Testing a Pipeline ( downloaded October 2026)
October 8Oct 8 11 hours ago, Oz07 said: Buy a bung, fill system up, extend all pipes to 1m above ground and brace. Fill up to top and time the water. What stage are you up to? Probably doing this much later than we should have… everything is in place, second fix plumbing in the house.
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