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It 7
It 7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Refer to IT-5.2.1 Testing of Butt Welds in Polyethylene Pipes and IT-5.2.2 Testing of Electrofusion Welds
in Polyethylene Pipes.
a) IT-1 General Provisions for minimum requirements and applying for inspections/tests
a) IT-1 General Provisions for minimum requirements and applying for inspections/tests
d) TS-7.1a Constant Pressure Test Method (Flexible Pipes) (available in IDC Toolbox)
e) TS-7.1b Constant Pressure Test Method (Visco-Elastic Pipes) (available in IDC Toolbox)
f) TS-7.1c Pressure Rebound Test Method (Visco-Elastic Pipes) (available in IDC Toolbox)
The method of pressure test depends on the pipe material, combination of materials, pipe pressure
rating, pipe diameter and test length. The Engineer shall nominate the appropriate test method at the
time of Development Works Approval or in the contract documents for Council projects. This allows the
testing method to be checked against the designed infrastructure to ensure the correct test method will
be used and any discussions and agreements between parties are made well before testing takes place.
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The test methods are:
d) Visual Test Method for small diameter pipes, short test lengths or mixed materials
The final decision on whether a visual test may be undertaken is at the discretion of Council. The test
method shall be selected using Table 1 Pressure Test Selection below:
a) PVC = Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe, DI = Ductile Iron Pipe, GRP =Glass Reinforced Plastic Pipe, PE = Polyethylene Pipe, PP =
Polypropylene Pipe, ABS = Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipe.
b) The above table includes pipe material and diameters that are not in the Approved Materials list. Refer to the Approved
Materials section for selection of pipe material and diameters.
c) Where a test length comprises different pressure ratings, a test for each different pressure rated pipe shall be undertaken.
d) Where a pipe material is not included in the table or there is any uncertainty regarding the appropriate test to use, please
contact Council for consideration and approval.
Note:
Different pipes act differently under pressure therefore different test methods are required. Flexible pipes flex and move under
pressure, therefore a test with constant pressure is appropriate for this type of pipe material. Visco-Elastic pipes are more
elastic and will stretch under pressure and rebound faster to its unpressurised state once the pressure has been removed. For
Visco-Elastic pipes DN63-DN315 a constant pressure test will overstretch the pipe, therefore a rebound test is required. For
larger >DN315 PE and PP pipes, the pipe is a lot stiffer so a constant pressure test is required. However, the methodology is
different to the constant pressure test for flexible pipes.
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It is important to note that the pressure tests are very sensitive to variations in the test process, weather conditions and
preparation for the test.
a) Air - All air must be removed from the length of pipe being tested. Entrapped or entrained air in the pipe will make
the test fail. Air can be compressed and therefore will not allow the tests to pass.
b) Average Test Head - The Constant Pressure Test for Flexible Pipes requires the average test head over the length of
the pipe tested. This needs to be calculated accurately prior to the test. Getting this wrong may pass or fail the test
incorrectly.
c) Temperature - The Pressure Rebound Test for Visco-Elastic Pipes requires the temperature of the water in the pipe to
be accurately measured, not guessed or estimated. It is not advised to attempt a pressure test in excessive heat
where any portion of the pipe is exposed (during informal tests pipes may be exposed)
Table 2: Pressure Test Timing sets out the timing of pressure tests depending on test method and test
type.
Constant Pressure Test At Contractor’s discretion. Typically All utilities are installed (including manifolds,
Method (Flexible Pipes) before joints, fittings, service meter boxes, end caps and power service
Test Method
Constant Pressure Test connections and valves backfilled. Note pillars on lot connections) and no further
Method (Visco- Elastic Pipes) that the tests are sensitive to point loading will be carried out within close
Pressure Rebound Test temperature changes which can occur proximity of the watermain and
Method (Visco-Elastic Pipes) when the mains are not backfilled. connections. Within two weeks prior to
disinfection.
Visual Test Method All joints, fittings, service connections and valves exposed. Main suitably restrained and
backfilled.
Explanatory Note:
Contractor’s Test: Undertaken prior to Council witnessing to ensure the infrastructure has been constructed without defects
and is leak free.
Certifying Test: Undertaken with the Engineer to certify and Council as witness.
b) For Contractor’s tests, book the rig through the Council’s Representative and collect at Council
offices.
c) For Certifying tests, book the rig when booking the test. The rig will be supplied to site by the
Council’s Representative.
d) The test rig consists of a calibrated pressure gauge/data-logger and a certified water meter. All
other equipment shall be supplied by the Contractor.
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e) The test rig shall only be used for the purpose it has been provided for and shall be returned
immediately after the test is completed.
f) Where damage or loss of Council equipment occurs as a result of the actions of the Contractor
and/or Engineer, the Contractor and/or Engineer shall be responsible for reimbursement to Council
for all costs incurred, including full replacement if necessary.
g) In instances where the Contractor and/or Engineer wish to use their own measuring devices,
approval for this is required from the Council’s Team Leader: Water Services.
The following shall be read in conjunction with NZS4404, C3.5 Constant Pressure Test. The Standard Test
Pressure (STP) = 25% above the rated pressure of the pipe material.
b) The amount of make-up water (Q) to maintain the test pressure shall be as per the following
equation:
Q ≤ 0.14LDH
where:
Q = allowable make-up water (L/hr)
L = test length (km)
D = nominal diameter of the pipe being tested (m)
H = average test head over the length of the pipeline being tested (m)
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IT-7.3.4.2 Constant Pressure Test Method for Visco-Elastic Pipes
The following shall be read in conjunction with NZS4404, C3.6 Constant Pressure Test. The Standard Test
Pressure (STP) = 25% above the rated pressure of the pipe material.
b) Calculate:
0.55V1 + Q.
where:
Q = allowable make up volume as per IT 7.3.4.1 b).
This following shall be read in conjunction with NZS4404, C3.7 Pressure Rebound Method for Viscoelastic
Pressure pipelines. The specified test pressure (STP) = 25% above the rated pressure of the pipe
material.
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viii) If P60 ≤ 70% of the STP, the test has failed. Locate and rectify the cause and repeat IT 7.3.4.3a).
ix) If P60 >70% of the STP proceed to IT 7.3.4.3b).
where:
30 2230
iv) If ΔV > ΔV (max allowable), the test has failed. Locate and rectify the cause and repeat IT-
7.3.4.3a) and IT-7.3.4.3b).
v) If ΔV ≤ ΔV (max allowable), proceed to IT-7.3.4.3c).
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c) The third phase procedure (main test phase) shall be as follows:
i) Record the pressure rise over 30 minutes.
ii) If there is a failure, locate and repair leaks.
The following shall be read in conjunction with NZS4404, C3.8 Visual Test For Small Pressure Pipelines.
The specified test pressure (STP) = 25% above the rated pressure of the pipe material.
Note: The timing of formal visual pressure tests are different to the formal pressure tests as the joints, fittings, service
connections and valves are exposed for inspection.
Once the Certifying pressure test has been completed, reduce pressure to mains pressure, i.e. the
pressure in the adjacent Council watermain.
Note: At the conclusion of any pressure test the pipe length shall be depressurised to approximately 500kPa until the pipe
length is connected to the Council reticulation. The pipe may be depressurised further for sterilisation but must be brought
back up to approx. 500kPa once the chlorine has been introduced into the line.
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a) Open a valve (ideally a 20mm gate valve) at the opposite end of the pipe to the pressure gauge and
observe the gauge to ensure a pressure drop is witnessed. This confirms the entire pipe length has
been tested.
b) Open all air venting facilities when draining the pipeline should repairs be required.
b) IT-1 Appendix A Inspection and Testing Summary and TCC/WBoPDC Hygiene Code of Practice for
Water Supply Systems for the
i) number of inspections required
ii) timing of inspections
iii) representatives at inspections
d) TCC/WBoPDC Hygiene Code of Practice for Water Supply Systems Appendix A: Producer Statement
Water System: Disinfection
e) CS-9.6 Cleaning and Disinfection of Watermains for further information on keeping water main
under pressure after cleaning and disinfection
a) Pipes shall be filled with a (minimum) 15 mg/L free available chlorine (FAC) solution to disinfect. See
table TS-7.2 Disinfection Mixture (available in IDC Toolbox) for guideline amounts of sodium
hypochlorite to achieve this.
c) The chlorinated water shall be introduced at the lowest point of the section of pipe to be disinfected
to ensure that no air is trapped. The method of filling shall be such that the chlorine concentration is
consistent when tested and recorded along the length of the pipe.
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Note: Please note Sodium Hypochlorite is a hazardous substance. Please ensure that the appropriate Health and Safety
measures are followed by referencing the Materials Safety Data Sheet for the product. Chlorine solutions deteriorate when left
standing, particularly if containers are dirty, exposed to sunlight or left in a warm place. Concentrated Sodium Hypochlorite
should be used within specified use-by dates, checked for strength before use and should preferably be appropriately diluted
and stored in clearly labelled dark plastic containers.
d) Once filled, the pipeline shall be isolated to prevent any water loss and left to stand for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, the FAC is to be tested by Council to confirm that the chlorine residual is greater
than 5 mg/L.
a) Once the disinfection process has been successfully completed, commence draining the pipe,
ensuring that the chlorinated water is disposed of in a safe manner. This can be done by one of the
following processes:
i) discharging to the nearest sewer (consent to be obtained from the Council‘s Waste Services
Department),
ii) dechlorination while draining method (see TS-7.3 Disinfection Mixture de-chlorination calculator
available in IDC Toolbox, for sodium thiosulphate/other de-chlorination chemicals), or by
iii) tankering off site for safe disposal.
b) The pipe shall be emptied of the super-chlorinated water and the ingress of any contaminants
prevented. This can be achieved by purging the super-chlorinated water with potable water from
the Council’s Water Supply. The pipe to be flushed out until the pipe has been purged of all super-
chlorinated water (confirmed by FAC measurements at the point of draining. The FAC to be same as
FAC of mains water, (typically between 0.4 and 1mg/l).
a) IT-1 General Provisions for minimum requirements and applying for inspections/tests
b) IT-1 Appendix A Inspection and Testing Summary and TCC/WBoPDC Hygiene Code of Practice for
Water Supply Systems for the
i) number of inspections required
ii) timing of inspections
iii) representatives at inspections
c) TCC/WBoPDC Hygiene Code of Practice for Water Supply Systems Appendix A: Producer Statement
Water System: Disinfection
a) Only once sufficient flushing and the typical FAC has been achieved, can E.coli sampling be
undertaken. Once sampling has been completed, any sampling flows are to be turned off and the
pipe must be kept full of water prior to connection to the live reticulation network.
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b) Sampling must be undertaken by a suitably trained person using suitably laboratory prepared
bacteriological sampling bottles (containing sodium thiosulphate) and submitted for testing in
accordance with an IANZ accredited testing laboratories requirements for E.coli testing. The samples
are to be sent to an IANZ accredited laboratories to perform E.coli tests. If the testing shows the
presence of any E.coli organisms, the disinfection process will need to be repeated.
c) E.coli testing takes approximately 24 hours. Once a pipe has had a successful bacteriological test and
the connection is approved by Council, the pipe must remain charged prior to connection to prevent
contamination. The Council Representative will notify the Engineer that the testing has been
successful and that the connection can be completed.
a) IT-1 General Provisions for minimum requirements and applying for inspections/tests
a) IT-1 General Provisions for minimum requirements and applying for inspections/tests
a) IT-1 General Provisions for minimum requirements and applying for inspections/tests
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WATER SUPPLY IS7.1
DATE: .............................. RC NUMBER: ..................................
INSPECTION SHEET
HYDRANT IS7.1
VERSION
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CODE JUNE 2019 2
WATER SUPPLY IS7.2
DATE: .............................. RC NUMBER: ..................................
PE pipe
Dressing set
Bedding as
specified
INSPECTION SHEET
VALVE IS7.2
VERSION
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CODE JUNE 2019 2
WATER SUPPLY IS7.3
DATE: .............................. RC NUMBER: ..................................
Check for:
Moulded meter box with base &
Boundary
mounting lugs with blue moulded lid End cap · Lid is flush with the surrounding
(with " WATER " moulded into top) & ground
lid secured to surround via stainless
steel flexible coupling
250mm long x 200mm wide 300mm Approx 1000mm tail · Not in a depression
· Manifold is clipped into the base
Lid
· The inside of the box is free from
50mm min
dirt and debris
350mm High
INSPECTION SHEET
WATER CONNECTION IS7.3
VERSION
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT CODE JUNE 2019 2
IS-7.4 Pre-backfill inspection
Certification
I certify that the above is true and accurate.
…………………………………………….......................................................................................Contractor’s Representative
…………………………………………….......................................................................................Engineer
…………………………………………….......................................................................................Council’s Representative
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IS-7.5 Pressure Testing checklist
The purpose of this pressure testing checklist is to ensure that tests undertaken on all new mains installed
within Tauranga City Council are conducted safely and effectively. Depending on the length, alignment or pipe
material, some items in this checklist may not be applicable.
Please complete and submit this form and have available at Certifying test.
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þ N/A Equipment
o o All test equipment has been checked for any obvious faults and its functionality understood.
At least two calibrated pressure gauges or instruments are placed into the test system to be used
o o
as a cross-check for gauge accuracy.
The pressurising pump/water blaster has its own calibrated safety relief valve. NOTE: If the
o o
pressurising pump does not have a safety relief valve then it must not be used.
The pressure test rig has been placed in the proper location relative to the pipe being tested and
o o
checked for proper operation without leakage.
The pressurisation pump/water blaster is the correct size. A too small pump will extend the test
o o
duration, and a too large pump may inhibit adequate control of the test pressure.
þ N/A Safety
An emergency response plan in the event of a dramatic rupture during hydro-test has been
o o
developed and is available on request.
A safety meeting to review the safety measures and roles and responsibilities has been
o o
undertaken and is documented.
‘No-go’ areas have been identified to those onsite to ensure unnecessary personnel and
equipment stay out of the area during pressurised testing. NOTE: only those trained and
qualified persons who are necessary to perform the test should remain in the area where the
test is being undertaken. During testing or de-watering, there are possible un-recognised
o o
hazards that may not have been completely controlled, such as unexpectedly high pressures
from internal malfunctions or equipment failures, rupture of the pipe or fusion joint, un-
detected flaws. Such situations may develop forces larger than the designed capacities of the
anchors. All non-essential persons should be excluded from the test area.
All personnel authorised to participate in the test have been adequately instructed in the test
o o
plan, and have been issued the required personal protective equipment.
o o Personnel have been informed of the loading limits on any temporary fittings and supports.
Certification
I certify that the above is true and accurate.
……………………………………………...................................................................................(Contractor’s Representative)
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