Do You Need Hydrostatic Pressure Testing? 5 Critical Questions to Ask
When Network Plus needed to validate the integrity of an existing water network in Nottingham, Pipe Testing Services (PTS) conducted pressure testing across 4,000 meters of pipelines. This included 2,000m of 180mm mains, 1,000m of 125mm mains, and 1,000m of 90mm mains, alongside chlorination, de-chlorination, and water sampling to meet regulatory standards and ensure safe operation.
Similarly, for the HS2 rail project, PTS performed pressure testing on critical systems to guarantee their readiness for high-stakes infrastructure demands. These projects exemplify how hydrostatic testing serves as a practical step to verify system reliability, whether for aging networks or modern developments.
But how do you determine if your project requires this level of verification? Below are five questions to guide your decision—informed by our work with clients like Network Plus and HS2.
Are You Meeting UK Compliance Deadlines?
In the UK, hydrostatic pressure testing isn’t optional—it’s a legal necessity for many industries. Regulations like the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) and Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 mandate rigorous testing to ensure systems operate safely and meet public health standards.
How Pipe Testing Services Addressed Compliance
For Network Plus’s Nottingham water network project, over the course of five months, PTS conducted:
- Pressure testing across 4,000 meters of pipelines (180mm, 125mm, and 90mm mains).
- Chlorination and de-chlorination to disinfect the network and restore water quality post-testing.
- Water sampling to verify adherence to regulatory thresholds.
By integrating these steps, Network Plus avoided potential penalties and ensured their water mains met strict Environment Agency and HSE requirements.
The HS2 Example
On the HS2 rail project, compliance extended beyond basic safety. PTS’s pressure testing ensured systems adhered to infrastructure-specific standards for high-speed rail, where even minor failures could disrupt national connectivity.
Regulatory bodies increasingly audit compliance records. Missing documentation risks operational delays, fines, or reputational harm.
We streamline compliance with:
- Audit-ready reports accepted by UK regulators.
- Tailored testing schedules aligned with project timelines.
- End-to-end services, from chlorination to sampling.
Missing documentation? Let PTS audit your compliance status. Fill out our contact form our get in touch at enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk.
Is Your System Aging or Newly Installed?
Hydrostatic pressure testing is critical for both aging infrastructure and new installations. Older systems may degrade over time, while new installations can harbour undetected flaws.
Case Study: Network Plus’s Aging Water Network
Network Plus’s Nottingham project involved an existing water network with pipelines of varying sizes (180mm, 125mm, and 90mm).
- Identified vulnerabilities in 2,000m of 180mm mains through rigorous pressure testing.
- Conducted chlorination and de-chlorination to eliminate biofilm build-up common in older systems.
- Performed water sampling to ensure the network met modern quality standards.
Without testing, hidden corrosion or weak joints in aging pipes could have led to leaks or contamination risks.
Case Study: HS2’s Cutting-Edge Rail Systems
For the HS2 project, PTS tested newly installed pressure systems designed for high-speed rail operations. Even with modern engineering, hydrostatic testing was essential to:
- Validate the integrity of pipelines under extreme operational pressures.
- Ensure compliance with bespoke standards for critical national infrastructure
How PTS Adapts to Your System
- Aging Systems: We focus on corrosion checks, historical wear, and retrofitting compatibility.
- New Installations: We verify manufacturing quality, installation accuracy, and stress resilience.
Unsure if your system needs testing? Let our team at Pipe Testing Services assess its condition.
Could a Failure Endanger People or the Environment?
Hydrostatic pressure testing isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Even minor leaks in critical infrastructure can escalate into public health crises or environmental violations.
HS2: Preventing Risks in National Infrastructure
For the HS2 rail project, PTS employed state-of-the-art hydrostatic testing methods to verify the structural integrity of water mains supporting the rail network. By simulating extreme pressures, we ensured pipelines could withstand operational demands, eliminating risks of leaks that might disrupt service or harm surrounding environments. This proactive approach was vital for infrastructure serving millions of passengers and traversing ecologically sensitive areas.
Network Plus: Protecting Nottingham’s Water Supply
In Nottingham, Network Plus’s water network served residential and commercial users. A failure here could have contaminated local water supplies or caused service interruptions. By involving PTS from the project’s outset, we:
- Provided practical advice to align testing with Network Plus’s timeline.
- Integrated chlorination and sampling to prevent post-testing contamination.
- Delivered a compliance-ready system without costly delays.
Collaborating early with clients like Network Plus allows us to embed safety into every phase, saving time while prioritising public and environmental protection.
How PTS Minimises Risk
- Pre-Testing Consultations: Identify high-risk zones in your system.
- Advanced Methods: Use precision tools to detect flaws invisible during routine checks.
- Holistic Approach: Pair testing with disinfection (e.g., chlorination) to address multiple risks.
Have You Had Past Leaks or Pressure Drops?
Past leaks or pressure fluctuations are more than inconveniences—they signal systemic vulnerabilities that demand attention. Addressing these issues proactively prevents recurrence and ensures long-term reliability.
Much of the work we do for client’s involves aging infrastructure, where undetected weaknesses leads to leaks or pressure drops over time. By getting in touch with us at PTS we can help you
- Assess meters of mains pipeline to identify potential failure points.
- Integrate chlorination and de-chlorination to eliminate contaminants that could exacerbate corrosion.
- Conduct water sampling to validate post-testing water quality, ensuring no residual risks remained.
HS2: Preventing Future Issues in New Installations
Even new systems, like those installed for HS2, benefit from hydrostatic testing. PTS’s state-of-the-art methods verified that pipelines could withstand operational pressures, pre-empting leaks before they occurred. As part of our early collaboration with clients, we provide:
- Pre-emptive diagnostics: Detect flaws in welds, joints, or materials during testing phases.
- Targeted solutions: Resolve issues without disrupting project timelines.
How PTS Addresses Recurring Issues
- Root-cause analysis: Move beyond temporary fixes to resolve underlying flaws.
- Preventive maintenance: Pair testing with services like chlorination to extend system lifespan.
Are Insurers Demanding Proof of Integrity?
UK insurers now prioritise evidence-based risk management, making hydrostatic pressure testing a key requirement for businesses operating pipelines, pressure vessels, or water networks. Insurers use this documentation to:
- Reduce Liability Risks - Untested systems are prone to leaks, bursts, or contamination incidents, exposing insurers to costly claims. Hydrostatic testing provides empirical proof that your infrastructure can withstand operational pressures, reducing the likelihood of failures.
- Validate Coverage Eligibility - Many insurers now mandate up-to-date test certificates as a condition for coverage. Without them, businesses risk policy cancellations or denied claims.
- Lower Premium Costs - Demonstrating system integrity through certified testing can qualify you for reduced premiums. Insurers view well-maintained, tested systems as lower-risk investments.
How PTS Delivers Insurer-Approved Solutions
At Pipe Testing Services we provide comprehensive reports, including:
- Pressure test certificates with timestamps and pressure curves.
- Chlorination and water sampling records (critical for water quality compliance).
- Compliance statements aligned with UK regulations (e.g., PSSR, Water Supply Regulations).
These documents are recognised by major UK insurers, simplifying your application or renewal process.
Risk Reduction Through Precision
Our advanced testing methods identify flaws like micro-leaks, weak welds, or corrosion before they escalate. For example, hydrostatic testing at 1.5x operational pressure validates resilience beyond everyday demands, giving insurer’s confidence in long-term reliability.
Efficiency via Integrated Services – PTS streamlines the certification process by bundling hydrostatic testing with complementary services:
- Chlorination/de-chlorinationto ensure post-testing water safety.
- Flow surveysto validate system performance under real-world conditions.
- Clean Water CCTV surveysfor visual verification of pipeline interiors.
This “one-stop” approach accelerates approvals and reduces administrative burdens.
Why Trust PTS for Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
- UKAS-Accredited Methods: Our testing adheres to nationally recognised standards.
- Transparent Reporting: Detailed, jargon-free records make it easy for insurers to assess risk.
- Proactive Collaboration: We work with your insurers directly, if needed, to clarify technical requirements.
Need to satisfy insurer demands quickly? – Contact PTS to schedule certified hydrostatic testing and secure your coverage.
Contact PTS Today for Comprehensive Services
Hydrostatic pressure testing answers critical questions about compliance, safety, and reliability. At PTS, we combine UK regulatory expertise with advanced testing methods to:
- Prevent failures in aging and new systems.
- Satisfy insurers and auditors with certified documentation.
- Protect communities through rigorous safety protocols.
Ready to Act? – Here’s where you can find us and how to get in touch:
Phone: Call us at 01922 451646.
Email: Reach out to us at enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk.
Address: Visit us at Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ.