Drain Testing Equipment

About Drain Testing Equipment

Drain testing equipment is essential for ensuring the integrity and compliance of drainage systems in both residential and commercial properties. Whether you're testing new installations, conducting routine maintenance, or investigating suspected leaks, professional drain testing equipment helps verify that drainage systems are watertight, properly sealed, and meet Building Regulations requirements. The range at Tooled-Up includes comprehensive testing kits, individual drain testing plugs, test nipples, smoke testers, and tracing dyes—all designed to help drainage specialists identify faults quickly and accurately before they become costly problems.

Modern drain testing equipment has evolved to make the testing process more efficient and reliable. Air testing equipment allows tradespeople to pressurise drainage systems to detect even the smallest leaks, while smoke testers provide a visual method of identifying connection issues and infiltration points. Tracing dyes help pinpoint the exact location of drainage problems, and specialist plugs and nipples ensure secure sealing during pressure tests. Whether you're working on new-build properties, renovations, or maintenance contracts, having the right drain testing equipment ensures compliance with BS EN 1610 standards and Building Control requirements.

Quality drain testing equipment is built to withstand the demanding conditions of site work, with robust construction and reliable sealing mechanisms. Professional-grade testing kits typically include pressure gauges, inflation pumps, and a range of plugs to suit different pipe diameters from 100mm to 600mm, allowing drainage engineers to complete comprehensive drainage tests efficiently. Investing in reliable drain testing equipment not only ensures regulatory compliance but also protects your professional reputation by verifying that every installation meets the highest standards of workmanship.

Jargon Buster

• Air Testing: A method of testing drainage systems by sealing all openings and introducing compressed air to a specified pressure (typically 100mm water gauge). The system is monitored for pressure loss, which indicates leaks or poor seals—the preferred testing method for most UK Building Control applications.
• Drain Testing Plugs: Inflatable rubber stoppers inserted into drainage pipes to seal them during pressure testing. Available in various sizes to accommodate different pipe diameters from 100mm to 600mm and beyond, these are essential components for conducting compliant drain tests.
• Manometer: A pressure-measuring device, often a U-tube filled with water, used to monitor pressure levels during drain testing. Digital alternatives are also available for easier reading and recording, with measurements typically displayed in mm water gauge.
• Smoke Testing: A diagnostic method where non-toxic smoke is introduced into the drainage system to visually identify leaks, improper connections, or areas where sewer gases might escape. Particularly useful for identifying defects that air testing alone may not reveal.
• Test Nipples: Threaded connectors that allow testing equipment to be attached to inspection chambers or access points, providing a secure connection for introducing air or water during pressure tests. Available in various thread sizes to suit different inspection chamber designs.
• BS EN 1610: The British and European standard for construction and testing of drains and sewers, specifying acceptable test procedures and pass criteria for drainage installations. Compliance with this standard is typically required for Building Control sign-off.

Who Uses Drain Testing Equipment?

Drain testing equipment is used by a wide range of construction and maintenance professionals, including:

• Drainage Engineers – specialists who install, maintain, and repair drainage systems and require testing equipment for every project
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers – particularly those working on new installations and renovations requiring Building Control approval
• Building Contractors and Main Contractors – responsible for ensuring drainage compliance on construction projects before handover
• Groundworkers – tradespeople who install external drainage and sewerage systems and must certify their work
• Local Authority Building Control Officers – inspecting drainage installations for compliance with Building Regulations
• Facilities Managers – maintaining drainage systems in commercial and industrial properties to prevent costly failures
• Property Developers – ensuring new developments meet Building Regulations requirements before sale or occupation
• Utility Companies – testing and maintaining public sewer connections and adoption of private drainage systems
• CCTV Drainage Surveyors – complementing camera inspections with physical testing to provide comprehensive drainage reports
• Water Treatment Professionals – verifying the integrity of wastewater collection systems

How to Choose the Right Drain Testing Equipment

Selecting appropriate drain testing equipment depends on several factors related to your specific requirements:

Pipe Sizes and System Type: Consider the range of pipe diameters you typically work with. Most domestic drainage uses 100mm to 150mm pipes, while commercial systems may require plugs up to 600mm or larger. Comprehensive testing kits available from Tooled-Up.com offer multiple plug sizes for versatility across different applications.

Testing Method Requirements: Determine whether you need air testing equipment, water testing capability, or both. Air testing is generally faster and cleaner, making it the preferred method for most applications, but some Building Control departments may require water testing for specific installations or as verification of air test results.

Pressure Gauge Accuracy: Professional-grade manometers or digital pressure gauges provide accurate readings essential for compliance testing. Look for equipment calibrated to measure in mm water gauge (the standard unit for drain testing in the UK) with clear, easy-to-read displays that can be documented for Building Control records.

Plug Quality and Durability: Industrial-strength rubber plugs with reinforced construction and reliable inflation valves ensure repeated use without failure. Cheap plugs may burst under pressure or deflate during critical tests, wasting time and potentially damaging your professional reputation with failed inspections.

Portability and Storage: Consider whether you need a complete kit in a carrying case for mobile working or individual components for a van-based setup. Organised storage solutions protect equipment from site damage and ensure everything is readily available when Building Control arrives for inspection.

Compliance Requirements: Ensure your equipment meets current Building Regulations and BS EN 1610 standards. Documentation and calibration certificates may be required for certain contract work, warranty claims, or when dealing with local authority inspections.

Kit Completeness: Complete drain testing kits typically include multiple plug sizes, pressure gauge, inflation pump, test nipples, and carrying case. For tradespeople regularly conducting drainage tests, a comprehensive kit represents better value and ensures you're always prepared for any pipe diameter encountered on site.

Popular Accessories

To complement your drain testing equipment, consider these useful accessories:

• Inspection Chamber Keys and Lifting Tools – for safe access to manholes and inspection points without damaging covers
• Hand Pumps and Inflation Devices – manual or electric options for inflating testing plugs quickly and to precise pressures
• Pressure Relief Valves – safety devices to prevent over-pressurisation of drainage systems during testing
• Drain Rods and Attachments – for clearing blockages before testing and positioning plugs in deep systems or remote chambers
• CCTV Drain Cameras – for visual inspection before and after testing to identify specific issues and their exact locations
• Stopcocks and Drain Bungs – additional sealing solutions for unusual connection points or older inspection chambers
• Testing Log Books and Documentation – for recording test results and maintaining compliance records required by Building Control
• Replacement Plugs and Seals – spare components to keep your testing kit operational when wear or damage occurs
• Smoke Pellets and Cartridges – consumables for smoke testing systems to identify defects visually
• Tracing Dye Concentrates – fluorescent dyes for identifying drainage flow paths and confirming connections
• Digital Pressure Gauges – upgrades for improved accuracy and data logging capabilities on larger projects

Safety Information

Drain testing involves working with pressurised systems and confined spaces, requiring adherence to proper safety procedures:

Pressure Safety: Never exceed the recommended test pressure of 100mm water gauge for standard drainage systems. Over-pressurisation can damage pipes, cause joints to fail, or result in violent plug ejection causing serious injury. Always use pressure relief valves and monitor gauges carefully throughout the test period. If unexpected pressure loss occurs, safely depressurise the system before investigating.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, gloves, and protective footwear when working with drainage systems. Drainage work may expose you to harmful bacteria, sewage contamination, and hazardous gases, so maintain good hygiene practices and wash thoroughly after handling equipment. Consider respiratory protection when working in poorly ventilated areas or when using smoke testing equipment.

Confined Space Working: Inspection chambers and manholes are classified as confined spaces under HSE regulations. Never enter without proper training, atmospheric testing for toxic or explosive gases, and appropriate safety equipment. Ensure adequate ventilation and have rescue procedures in place. A competent person should supervise all confined space work, and at least one person should remain outside to raise the alarm if needed.

Chemical Safety: When using tracing dyes or smoke testing chemicals, read all COSHH data sheets and follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Ensure adequate ventilation and wear respiratory protection if recommended on the product safety information. Store chemicals securely away from heat sources and dispose of waste responsibly in accordance with environmental regulations.

Manual Handling: Drain testing equipment can be heavy, particularly when carrying complete kits or large-diameter plugs weighing several kilograms. Use proper lifting techniques with bent knees and straight back, and consider trolleys or assistance for heavier items to prevent back injuries. Distribute weight evenly when carrying equipment across uneven ground on construction sites.

Electrical Safety: If using 240v electric pumps or pressure testing equipment, ensure all electrical equipment is properly maintained and PAT tested. Use RCD protection on construction sites and keep electrical connections away from water and wet ground. Battery-operated equipment offers a safer alternative in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a drain air test hold pressure?
According to Building Regulations and BS EN 1610, a drainage system should maintain a test pressure of 100mm water gauge for a minimum of 5 minutes, with an allowable drop of no more than 25mm over that period. The system should first be pre-charged for approximately 5 minutes to allow for temperature stabilisation and minor absorption before the formal test begins. Always record both the stabilisation period and the actual test period for Building Control documentation.

What size drain testing plugs do I need?
For domestic drainage work, plugs covering 100mm, 110mm, and 150mm pipes are essential and will handle the majority of residential projects. Commercial and industrial applications may require larger sizes up to 225mm, 300mm, or even 600mm for major drainage systems. Multi-size expandable plugs can cover a range of diameters, offering versatility and reducing the number of individual plugs needed. Always verify the actual pipe internal diameter, as nominal sizes can vary slightly between manufacturers and pipe materials like clay, plastic, or concrete.

Can I use water instead of air for drain testing?
Yes, water testing is an acceptable alternative method specified in BS EN 1610, though it's less common due to practical considerations. Water testing requires filling the entire system to the crown of the highest inspection chamber and monitoring for a drop in water level over a 30-minute period. This method is more time-consuming, creates disposal issues for potentially contaminated water, and is impractical in cold weather due to freezing risks, which is why air testing is generally preferred by most drainage professionals and Building Control officers.

Do I need to test drains on every job?
Building Regulations require testing of all new drainage installations and substantial alterations to existing systems before they can be covered or put into use. Building Control will typically require certification of successful testing before signing off on the work, and failure to provide this can result in costly excavation to expose and re-test drains. Even when not legally required for minor repairs, testing provides professional assurance and can prevent costly callbacks due to undetected leaks or improper connections.

Why did my drain test fail and how do I find the leak?
Common failure causes include improperly sealed joints, cracked pipes, incorrectly installed connections, damaged inspection chamber benching, or inadequately sealed testing plugs allowing air to escape. To locate leaks, listen for hissing sounds indicating escaping air, apply soapy water solution to joints to reveal bubbles, or use smoke testing for visual identification of problem areas. CCTV drain surveys can pinpoint exact problem locations in complex systems. Always verify that testing plugs are correctly positioned and fully inflated before assuming a system fault—it's surprisingly common for test failures to be caused by equipment issues rather than drainage defects.