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A matter of code
How often do you guys fail an inspection because the plumber put a test on pex water lines with air pressure instead of hydraulic pressure?
I ask because, under the section of testing, it says that a water pressure of at least 100psi is required for testing, or, on non-plastic pipes, air pressure may be used. When you look under the table that lists the different types of pipe, it's worded PEX plastic tubing.
I was failed recently only because of this.
So I called around, and was told as long as the manufacturer says it's okay, then it's okay. So I went to the manufacturer's website, checked in the literature about installation and testing, and printed out the page that said water OR air may be used, and put it in the inspection box underlining the relevant lines. (I also put hydraulic pressure in the pipes.)
I was wondering if anybody else requires water in pex like this. (It's in the code book, so really I can't moan about it too much, BUT -- in the same neighborhood, about three blocks away, the same inspector passed another house I did that used air to pressurize the water pipes, and it was on the same day.)
On a related note, what is the purpose of this code? Is it because the other plastic pipes, such as PVC, present an explosion hazard when filled with air?
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