Valve Pressure Testing in Live Commercial Water Systems
In a complex commercial building like an energy centre, hospital, or large office, a single valve is one of the most critical components in your water system. Whether serving hot water (HWS), cold water (CWS), or heating (LTHW) circuits, you rely on these valves to safely isolate sections for maintenance, repairs, or emergencies.
But how can you be certain that a valve will actually provide a complete seal against pressure when you need it most?
At Pipe Testing Services (PTS), we specialise in providing expert valve pressure testing for live commercial systems. This guide explains what this vital serviceability test involves and why it is a critical part of modern asset management.
What is Valve Serviceability Testing?
Valve serviceability testing, often referred to as valve pressure testing, is a diagnostic procedure designed to verify that a valve can perform its most essential function: providing a 100% positive, leak-free seal when in the closed position.
It definitively answers the simple but crucial question: “If I close this valve, will it actually stop the water?” For a facilities manager in a live environment, knowing the answer is essential for planning any maintenance work safely and effectively.
The Process for Testing Valves in a Live System
Testing a valve within a live, operational system requires a careful, methodical approach to avoid disrupting services. Our technicians follow a precise, non-destructive process:
Step 1: System and Schedule Analysis
We begin by reviewing your provided valve schedule and technical drawings (DWGs). This allows us to understand the system’s layout, identify the valves to be tested, and plan the work in a way that minimises operational impact.
Step 2: Connecting Monitoring Equipment
To verify the valve’s integrity, we attach highly sensitive pressure gauges or digital data loggers on the section of pipework immediately downstream of the valve being tested.
Step 3: Valve Closure and Isolation
The target valve is fully closed. The downstream section of pipework is then drained to release any existing pressure.
Step 4: Monitoring for "Pressure Creep"
This is the critical phase. We meticulously monitor the downstream pressure gauge for any rise in pressure. Even a tiny, slow increase, known as “pressure creep”, indicates that the valve is passing water and is not providing a complete seal.
Step 5: Reporting and Certification
A valve that holds zero pressure on the downstream side for the duration of the test is certified as “passing.” A valve that allows any pressure creep is recorded as “failed.” We provide a comprehensive report detailing the status of each valve tested, giving you a clear and accurate assessment of your system’s serviceability.
Why Valve Testing is Crucial for Asset Management
After the disinfection is complete, you need formal documentation to prove the process was successful and that the system is safe to use.
- Prevents Failed Maintenance and Unplanned Shutdowns: A certified, passing valve gives you the confidence to schedule maintenance, knowing you can achieve a safe and complete isolation of the work area. Identifying a faulty valve allows you to plan for its replacement in a controlled manner, rather than discovering it has failed during an emergency, which can lead to catastrophic damage and downtime.
- Ensures System Control and Integrity: Regular testing confirms your ability to effectively control and segment your building's complex water and heating systems, which is essential for both routine and emergency operations.
- Supports Regulatory Compliance: For many commercial and industrial sites, proving the serviceability of critical isolation valves is a key part of health and safety compliance.
The PTS Advantage: Expert Diagnostics for Complex Systems
Our expertise is not just in performing the test, but in understanding the context of live, critical systems. We work with your facilities team to develop a testing plan that minimises risk and provides the clear, actionable data you need to manage your assets effectively.
While on-site, our teams can also provide a range of other specialist diagnostic services. If a leak is suspected but its location is unknown, our Leak Detection Services can pinpoint the source. If the internal condition of a pipe is in question, a Clean Water CCTV Survey can provide a direct visual inspection.
Choosing the Right Partner for Your Critical Systems
Don’t wait for a critical isolation valve to fail during an emergency or a planned shutdown. Proactively verifying the serviceability of your valves is a cornerstone of professional asset management.
Choosing a specialist contractor like Pipe Testing Services means you get:
- A Non-Disruptive, Methodical Approach: We work with you to test your assets safely within a live environment.
- Expert Diagnostics: We provide clear, unambiguous data that you can rely on to make informed maintenance decisions.
- Peace of Mind: You gain certainty about the condition of your critical systems, allowing you to plan maintenance with confidence.
If you are a facilities manager or engineer and need to verify the integrity of the valves in your commercial water system, contact the expert team at Pipe Testing Services today.
To discuss your requirements, schedule a consultation, 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
FAQs for Commercial Valve Testing
Can this test be performed on all types of valves?
Yes, the principle can be applied to most isolation valves, including ball valves, gate valves, and butterfly valves, across a range of services like HWS, CWS, and LTHW.
How long does it take to test a single valve?
The on-site time for a single valve is relatively short. The main factor is the monitoring period required to be certain there is no pressure creep. We can test multiple valves in a single day according to your schedule.
What are the common causes of a valve failing the test?
Common causes include a degraded or damaged internal seal (like a washer or ball seal), a small piece of debris trapped in the valve mechanism, or corrosion that prevents the valve from closing completely.
What happens after a valve fails the test?
Our report provides you with a definitive diagnosis. This allows your maintenance team to schedule a planned, controlled replacement of the faulty valve, preventing a future emergency.