ASK THE EXPERT
Air pressure testing – an expert opinion
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Andrew Coy, territory product manager at leading plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin, offers some expert advice on the benefits of air pressure testing and how it can improve efficiency and productivity on the job.
ime is money on construction projects – even the smallest delays can be costly, particularly if they mean other teams can’t start work. This puts the emphasis on finding the most cost and time-
efficient processes, including when testing completed work. For installers of plumbing and drainage systems, water testing has been the most popular method for a number of years, but air testing is gaining momentum as a faster, more convenient, and more effective alternative.
What’s driving the shift from traditional water pressure testing to air pressure testing? What are the benefits?
“There are a few reasons behind air testing’s rise in popularity, including the simple fact that it’s better for eventual occupiers. With water testing, if pipes aren’t dried properly afterwards, there’s a real risk of stagnant water being left behind which can be a breeding ground for dangerous Legionella bacteria. By removing the need for flushing of the system with water, air testing removes this concern and makes for a safer finished system.
“Air testing is also a quicker job – because
there’s no need to drain and dry pipes. While each air pressure test takes at least 130 minutes compared to just 20 minutes for a water test, the extra preparation involved in water testing from removing all air from the system to flushing the entire installation once a week, makes it far more cumbersome and time-consuming overall. “Another key factor is the risk of water damage. Water is the second most frequent cause of loss on building projects and accounts for a large share of Construction All Risk (CAR) claims. By using air instead of water, installers can be confident that leaks won’t damage electrical systems, new flooring, or freshly finished drywall. This not only prevents costly rework but also creates a safer work environment. “With the arrival of modern technology and
products like Tigris K5, installers can tell exactly where a system is leaking during a pressure test due to the distinctive 80dB acoustic alert that is given off from the unpressed fitting, removing one of the main previous barriers to air testing.”
Which project types or sectors are leading the adoption of air pressure testing, and why?
“Public spaces with potentially vulnerable occupants, such as schools and hospitals, are leading the way, along with large-scale and high-rise commercial buildings. On these projects with longer lead times, installers have turned to air testing due to the higher risk of leaving stagnant water and therefore raising the risk of a build-up of bacteria. “With projects such as schools and hospitals, where health risks are a serious problem, eliminating the risk of stagnant water in the system and the need to use harsh cleaning chemicals has led to these projects switching to air testing. It’s an example of how this process has become best practice on these specific builds.”
Looking ahead, how do you see pressure testing practices changing across the building services industry?
“As awareness of air testing’s advantages grows, we’re likely to see momentum build across a wider range of projects. Public
34 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2025 Read the latest at:
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sector leaders and policymakers can play an important role here by introducing clear, supportive guidelines that give contractors the confidence to adopt air testing more widely. “At the same time, manufacturers are continuing to innovate with solutions that make the process faster, more accurate, and easier to integrate into everyday site practice. Products like Wavin’s Tigris K5 are good examples of how technology is removing barriers and helping installers detect leaks with absolute precision. “Over time, as these guidelines and innovations align, we expect air pressure testing to become less of a niche alternative and more of an accepted standard across the industry.” For more information on Wavin’s Tigris K5 press fit fitting, please visit:
https://wavin.com/gb/s/ C01_F001_S278/tigris-k5-mlcp-press-fit
About Wavin UK
Wavin is an innovative solution provider for the building and infrastructure industry across multiple continents. Backed up by 60+ years of expertise, we are geared up to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges around: water supply, sanitation, climate-resilient cities and building performance. At Wavin, we focus on creating positive change in the world and our passion is building liveable and loveable places. We engage and collaborate with city leaders, engineers, planners, and installers to help make cities future-proof and buildings comfortable and energy-efficient. Wavin is part of Orbia, a community of companies bound together by a shared purpose: to advance life around the world. Wavin has 12,000+ employees in 40+ countries worldwide and operates under brands like Wavin, Amanco and Pavco.
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