What is the allowable pressure test for a building sewer line?

The allowable pressure test for a building sewer line is typically set at 5 psi. This standard is established to ensure that the sewer line is sufficiently airtight and free from leaks, which is crucial for preventing any potential health hazards or environmental issues that could arise from sewage leaks.

Conducting a pressure test at this level allows for a reasonable safety margin to ensure that the materials used in the sewer line can handle operational pressures without leaking. A test at too high a pressure may not accurately represent the conditions that the sewer line will typically face and could also risk damaging the piping materials involved.

Understanding this standard is critical for contractors, as proper testing of sewer lines is part of compliance with building codes and helps maintain public health and safety standards.