What does a hydrostatic test pump do?
A hydrostatic test pump is designed to test the pressure in a water or gas line up to 12,000 PSI to ensure the lines are safe from leaks. Once a line has been installed for a sprinkler or gas line the user will pump fluids into the line and build up high pressure to a specific PSI, the pressure is then held in the line to evaluate if the pressure remains constant. If there are no leaks the pressure will remain the same, leaks can be detected by a loss in pressure or using a leak detection device that can detect any air bubbles in the line.
How do you do a hydrostatic pressure test?
- ✅ Do not use the pump to fill pipe that is to be tested.
- ✅ Use only clean water and do not remove intake line strainer except to clean. Sand and other contaminants will damage the hydro pump.
- ✅ When drawing water from a drum be sure the intake hose is not resting against the wall of the drum, restricting the intake suction.
- ✅ Start your test by turning on the pump or manually start pumping to build pressure in the line
- ✅ Stop the pump when you have reached your desired pressure or PSI on the pressure gauge
- ✅ Lock the pressure in and wait to see if the pressure lessens and inspect the line for any leaks
- ✅ If pressure remains constant the line is clear of leaks.
- ✅ Do not use hose or fittings which are rated for less than the test pressure
- ✅ Do not run this pump dry always have fluid when running it.
- ✅ DO not tamper with engine setting.
- ✅ Do not pump chlorine solutions, except for diaphragm hydro pumps. Chlorine can damage the pump and valve seals on the test pump. (With the exception of the diaphragm pump)
- ✅ When you have finished using your pump and are going to store it until your next job, we suggest running 50/50 water/antifreeze solution through it. This will lubricate your pump and prevent rust inside.
Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing pump loss pressure, there maybe debris lodged in the system, checking the check valves will identify if there is a blockage. On the Reed Mfg ehpt500 there are 2 check valves under each cap that need to be removed with a hex wrench and then inspected. If there is no debris then pump seals will most likely need to be replaced.
Maintenance
On most pumps it is recommended to inspect and lubricate the piston and the bearings after every 100 hours of use. The bearings typically can be found behind the front cover plate on most electric pumps. Before removing anything on the machine make sure that it is unplugged so that electric shock does not occur. Do not run pump when plate has been removed. Lubricate with a water resistant, all purpose grease and reinstall plate.
Priming Tips
When using a non pressurized supply, it is recommended fill the input with water from a standard garden hose. After connecting the hose to the machine make sure that is securely connected with no air gaps so that pump does not lose pressure during operation. Pro Tip: using a shorter hose is easier to prime the pump, long hoses can collapse from the pressure or suction from the pump itself. If a longer hose is necessary make sure it is ridgid enough so that it does not collapse.
Types of Test Pumps
 | Diaphragm Hydrostatic Test PumpDiaphragm hydrostatic test pumps have the ability to handle up to a 10% chlorine or similar solution and can be run dry without damage. |
 | Piston Roller Hydrostatic Test PumpPiston roller test pumps are primarily used in testing water, landscaping, irrigation and plumbing lines. These units are dependable and simple to run, designed for testing lines up to 16 inch in diameter; with volumes up to 10 GPM and pressures up to 450 PSI |
 | Electric Hydrostatic Test PumpElectric hydro pumps are designed for testing sprinkler systems, irrigation lines, pressure vessels, plant process piping, and small diameter water lines. These are portable machines that can be brought directly to the jobsite and typically weigh between 30 - 50 pounds. These style units are one of the best selling units on the market as they cover 75% of what is needed to test by plumbers and sprinkler companies. |
 | Hand Operated Test PumpHydrostatic hand test pumps are for small line tests that include water lines and sprinkler and irrigation. These machines can be easily stored in a truck or small tool box making them easy to pressure test a line at any time. If faster test are needed but electricity is not available, Reed offers a drill powered pump that can be operated by almost any cordless drill. |
 | Fire Hose TesterFire hose testing can be easily done with a fire hose tester available in both gas and electric, they offer 2 or 4 ports to test fire hose lines. The Rice Hydro line of FH series pumps offer flow rates up to 26 gpm and a max pressure of up to 1000 psi. These machines can test up to 6" lines and come standard with 2-1/2" inlets to fill and bleed lines quickly. These testers are available in gas, electric, pneumatic or air driven options. |
 | Pneumatic Test PumpAre lightweight compact units that are designed for pressure testing in remote locations and confined spaces such as ships and oil rigs. Options include a pressure range of up to 30,000 psi and flow rates of 7 gallons per minute. |