SVP Pressure Testing for Building Control Sign-Off
Your new-build project is in the final stages. The interior is taking shape, the fixtures are being fitted, and handover is just around the corner. Before you can get the final sign-off from the Building Control officer, however, they ask for one last piece of compliance paperwork: an SVP pressure test certificate.
What is this test, why is it suddenly a critical requirement, and how do you get one without delaying your project?
At Pipe Testing Services (PTS), we regularly assist contractors, plumbers, and developers across the UK with this final, crucial step. This guide explains what an SVP air test is, the process involved, and how to get the certificate you need to complete your build.
What is an SVP Pressure Test?
An SVP (Soil and Vent Pipe) test is a procedure used to verify the integrity of a building’s internal drainage system. Unlike the high-pressure hydrostatic tests performed on water mains, this is a low-pressure air test designed for the non-pressurised pipework that carries waste from toilets, sinks, and showers.
The purpose is to prove that every joint and connection in the soil stack and its branches is completely sealed and airtight.
Why Building Control Requires an SVP Test
The requirement for this test is rooted in Part H of the UK Building Regulations, which covers drainage and waste disposal. An inspector needs a formal certificate to prove the system is airtight, primarily to prevent two major issues in the finished property:
- Escape of Foul Odours: Even a tiny leak in a soil pipe joint can allow unpleasant and persistent sewer gases to escape into wall cavities and living spaces.
- Minor Leaks and Water Damage: While the system isn't under constant pressure, small leaks can lead to slow, hidden water damage over time, causing damp and structural issues long after handover.
A pass certificate from a specialist testing company like PTS provides the inspector with the formal evidence they need to sign off this critical part of the build.
The SVP Air Test Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Our technicians follow a methodical process to ensure an accurate and compliant test.
Step 1: System Sealing
- The first step is to completely seal the section of pipework being tested. All openings, from the WC pan connection to the open vent pipe on the roof, are sealed using specialist inflatable bungs or stoppers.
Step 2: Connecting the Manometer
- A U-gauge manometer, which is a simple and reliable tool for measuring low pressure, is connected to the system via a test nipple.
Step 3: Applying Low-Pressure Air
- A small, controlled amount of air is introduced into the sealed system until the manometer shows the required test pressure, typically 38mm of water gauge.
Step 4: The Monitoring Period
- The system is held under this pressure for a set period, usually a minimum of three minutes. During this time, the technician closely watches the water level in the manometer.
Step 5: The Pass/Fail Result
- If the water level in the manometer remains stable and does not drop, it proves the system is airtight and has passed the test. If the pressure drops, it indicates a leak that must be located and repaired before a re-test can be performed.
Common Reasons for an SVP Test Failure
A failed test can be frustrating, but it’s usually caused by a few common issues. These include poor seals on ring-seal joints, improperly made solvent weld connections, or even a small crack in a pipe or fitting that occurred during installation. Our experienced technicians can help you investigate the cause of a failed test.
Your Complete New-Build Commissioning Partner
We understand that the SVP test is often just one part of the final commissioning process. Many of our clients on new-build sites also rely on us for the complete testing and certification of their incoming water supply. This often includes:
- A full hydrostatic pressure testof the new water main.
- The subsequent chlorination and water samplingto get the final certificate for the water authority connection.
By handling the entire commissioning package, we provide a single point of contact and ensure all your compliance needs are met efficiently.
Get in Touch with PTS
Don’t let the final compliance checks delay your project handover. If you are a contractor, developer, or plumber and need a fast, reliable SVP pressure test and certificate for your Building Control sign-off, the expert team at Pipe Testing Services is ready to help.
To discuss your requirements, schedule a test, or request a quote, please contact us at:
- Phone:01922 451646
- Email:enquiries@pipetestingservices.co.uk
- Address:Unit 27 Birchbrook Industrial Estate, Shenstone, Lichfield, Staffs, WS14 0DJ
SVP Testing FAQs
How long does an SVP pressure test take?
For a typical new-build house, the on-site test itself is quick. Once the system is sealed, the monitoring period is only a few minutes. The entire visit can often be completed in under an hour.
Is this test destructive?
No, the test is completely non-destructive. It uses a very low air pressure that does not stress the pipework.
What paperwork do I get?
Upon a successful test, PTS provides a formal SVP Pressure Test Certificate, which clearly states the property address, the system tested, the test pressure applied, and the pass result. This is the document you can submit to your Building Control officer.