New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

For how long should a hydronic system be pressure tested?

1. 30 minutes

2. 1 hour

3. 2 hours

4. 4 hours

The correct answer is: 2 hours

The recommended duration for pressure testing a hydronic system is typically two hours. This period allows for a thorough inspection to ensure that the system can hold pressure without leaking. A two-hour test gives operators sufficient time to monitor for pressure drops, which could indicate a leak or failure in the system. During this testing phase, technicians often look for signs of leaks around joints, valves, and fittings, as well as across the entire system. If a leak is present, a two-hour window provides an ample opportunity to identify it while the system is under pressure. In contrast, shorter testing durations, such as 30 minutes or one hour, may not adequately reveal potential leaks and problems, potentially leading to issues in system reliability after installation. A four-hour test could be unnecessarily lengthy for most applications and may not be required by code or standards for initial pressure tests. Thus, two hours is a standard and effective duration for this process, balancing thoroughness and efficiency.