Things You'll Need
Safety glasses
Hard hat
Hearing protection
Safety boots
Pressure washer
Wire brush
Garden hose
Plug extension hose
Multisize test ball pipe plug
Test ball pipe plugs or pneumatic pipe plugs are used to block sewer pipes during sewer air testing. Test ball plugs come in different sizes that fit different pipe diameters. Multisize test ball pipe plugs can be used in a wide variety of diameters of pipes. Using a multisize test plug eliminates the need to have more than one size of pipe plug. Some test ball pipe plugs have eye bolts that are used when tethering a hose line. This tether allows for the pipe plug to be raised or lowered with a poly lift line.
Step 1
Clean the pipeline of any debris with a pressure washer. Scrub the pipes with a wire brush and then flush it out with water. Remove any objects that may puncture the plug.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Insert the extension hose of the inflator to the inflatable ball of the plug. Attach the anchor hook to the eye bolt located on the inflatable ball. Attach the pressure gauge to the opposite end of the hose. Attach the tether hook of the hose to a well-anchored spot near the pipe.
Step 3
Position the plug into the pipe you need to test. Place it a minimum distance of one pipe diameter away from the exit of the pipe. Inflate the plug to the recommended pressure according to its packaging instructions. Check the inflation pressure once every four hours. A small amount of the air volume may leak through the body of the plug. Re-inflate the plug as needed to maintain constant pressure and prevent leakage. Monitor the pipeline that you plugged to see if any leaks or bad seals appear.
Warning
Always wear protective gear when working on sewer pipes or in manholes.
Video of the Day