This test is highly recommended when a homeowner suspects problems with the sewer lines under their residence or an individual is purchasing a used home.
Hydrostatic Testing & Plumbing Systems Defined
A Hydrostatic Test determines if there is a leak under a house or building in the sewer line system. If the system leaks, an Isolation test is performed to ‘isolate’ where the leaks are located.
Hydrostatic Testing is a very common procedure, especially in Houston and the surrounding areas. A large majority of the older homes in the Houston area have cast iron sewer pipes under the slab of the house. These cast iron pipes deteriorate over time and then start to leak.
What is a sewer line system under a house? If all the plumbing water and sewage for a house exit at one spot or location, this is called a one system house. Sometimes a house was designed so the plumbing exits the house in more than one location. This means the house has two (2) plumbing systems or maybe even three (3) or more systems.
To perform thorough Hydrostatic testing at a house, all systems must be tested. The technicians must set up their equipment and camera for each system. This takes additional time and monitoring, and that is why there are additional costs to perform Hydrostatic testing on all systems.
Church Services has a dedicated Division just for Hydrostatic and Isolation leak detection testing. Church Services has been conducting hundreds of test each year for homeowners, insurance companies, realtors, home builders, construction companies, inspectors, and engineers.
Church Services does Hydrostatic testing and Isolation testing throughout Greater Houston and surrounding areas such as Kingwood, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Galveston, Baytown, College Station, Bryan, Sealy, Richmond/Rosenberg, and elsewhere.
Hydrostatic Testing Procedures
- During the initial test (Hydrostatic), Church Services fills the sewer lines under the residence with water, using an inflatable test ball/plug at the exterior of the residence's sewer line to hold the water in the sewer line.
- If the sewer lines can be filled with water and hold the water for typically 10 to 20 minutes - then the test has passed and the sewer lines are intact. If the sewer lines are unable to fill or they lose water once filled, then a leak exists.
- After leaking is determined from the Hydrostatic Test, an Isolation Test is the next step to determine where the leak(s) exist. (see below for information on Isolation Testing)
- During a Hydrostatic Test, some other details that can be observed by the camera is the type of pipe in use (concrete, PVC, Cast Iron), if there are roots or obstructions in the lines, and if there are low spots holding water. If a sewer line is holding water, this is often referred to as a "belly in the line".
Isolation Testing Procedures
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The Isolation Test is done by utilizing an inflatable test ball/plug, maneuvered throughout the sewer lines, with the help of a camera, to isolate and identify the locations of the leak(s).
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This test can often be conducted the same day as the Hydrostatic Test as the schedule allows, or it may have to be scheduled for a different day.
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Once an initial specific leak location is found, it is documented and the rest of the system is then checked for additional leaks. Our technician will continue to test all sewer line branches and all fixtures to locate all the leaks. When all of the leaks are isolated or the system cannot be isolated further (lack of roof vent or due to configuration of system) then the technician will move on to additional systems if present.
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Once all the testing is completed, the technicians draw a sketch of the house, the layout of the drain lines, and the location of the leak(s).
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The information is brought to the Division Manager at Church Services.
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The Division Manager prepares a report, drawings and proposal for the repair and provides those to the customer, usually the next morning after the test.
Pricing for Underslab Hydrostatic Sewer Line Test
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One system: $250 (All plumbing exits the house in one location)
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Second system: $200 (plumbing exits the house at two seperate locations)
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Third system or more will be $110/hour after the second system is completed ($450 + $110/hour)
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Shower pan test: $50 if conducted with a hydrostatic test; $165 if done by itself.
Pricing for Underslab Isolation Test
Please Note: These prices could vary if the residence is outside our normal service area, or the residence has unique circumstances.
