Pressure Test Pumps

Pressure Test Pumps

Pressure test pumps verify that completed plumbing, hydraulic, and pipework installations hold pressure to specification before being put into service. They're essential equipment for plumbers, hydraulic technicians, and maintenance teams: a pressure test catches leaks, weak fittings, and installation faults at the test stage rather than after the system goes into service and the failure causes damage. AIMS Industrial stocks pressure test pumps for trade and industrial pipe testing applications.

The pump types we stock

• Manual lever pumps — hand-operated pumps for testing pressure up to 60 bar, the everyday plumbing test pump
• Electric pressure test pumps — for higher-volume testing or sustained pressure tests where hand-pumping is impractical
• High-pressure test pumps — for hydraulic and high-pressure pipework testing beyond 100 bar
• Specialty test pumps — for specific applications like sprinkler system testing or fire main testing

How pressure testing works

The procedure: fill the pipework system with water (most pressure tests are hydrostatic), connect the test pump to a test port, pump up to the specified test pressure (typically 1.5x working pressure for new installations), close the test port, and observe the pressure gauge over the test period. A pressure drop indicates leakage; the pressure should hold within the tolerance specified in the relevant code or standard.

Test pressures by application

• Domestic water supply — typically tested at 1.5x working pressure (often 1500 kPa = 15 bar)
• Commercial plumbing — depends on system pressure and code requirements; check local plumbing standards
• Gas service — tested at codes-specified pressures for the gas type and pressure rating
• Hydraulic systems — typically tested at 1.5x system working pressure
• Fire sprinkler systems — tested at higher multiples of working pressure as specified by the standard

Pump selection

Match the pump to the pressure required and the volume to be filled. For a domestic plumbing test (small system, 15 bar), a manual lever pump is the right tool. For a commercial system test (larger volume, 25-40 bar), an electric pump is faster and saves labour. For high-pressure hydraulic testing (100 bar+), specialist high-pressure test pumps are required.

What to look for in a test pump

• Pressure rating — the maximum pressure the pump can develop and the gauge can read
• Gauge accuracy — the gauge must be accurate enough for the test tolerance; calibrated gauges may be required for compliance testing
• Test port fittings — match the connections to the typical fittings on the pipework being tested
• Reservoir capacity — larger reservoirs reduce refilling during longer tests
• Build quality — pressure test pumps live in toolboxes and on sites; durable construction matters

Brands stocked at AIMS

The pressure test pump range covers trade-grade equipment. For specific brand requirements (Rothenberger, Reed, Ridgid), contact our team for current options.

Documentation and compliance

For commercial and code-compliance testing, document the test: pressure achieved, duration held, any pressure drop, and the gauge calibration date. Some inspections require third-party witnessing. Keep test records — they're proof of correct installation if questions arise later.

Need help speccing a pressure test pump for trade or specific application? contact our team — we'll match by pressure, volume, and connection type.