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Pressure Testing Data Logging

Prior to connection of a new mains water pipe, the majority of water utilities companies require proof that the new mains pipe is solid, secure and does not leak. Water Utility companies must adhere to strict guidelines and procedures which are now in place for pressure testing. Pressure testing requires specialist expertise. We are seeing in more cases complete data logging and graphical analysis is also required.

Water Supply Regulations

The Water Supply (Water fittings) Regulations 1999 require that all new water systems, both above and below the ground should be tested hydraulically prior to commissioning.

Pressure Testing

Water Utility companies have strict rules for pressure testing. Pressure testing requires specialist expertise. Pressure testing also needs satisfactory evidence, which in most cases requires full data logging and graphical analysis.

Pressure test results are collected using a pressure/recording device. This allows the user to take accurate pressure readings. Pressure readings should be taken throughout the test. It is also important to avoid interference from the pumping action. The data loggers are calibrated to ensure accuracy every time. They also take into account other elements such as temperature, which can affect the recorded pressure in a pipeline. This means a thorough pipe assessment is always required.

Pipework Variations

The method of pressure testing will vary depending upon the nature of the pipework. Systems with plastic pipes need to make allowance for the expansion in the plastic material caused by the pressurisation process.

Data Logging

The data logger can also contain GPS positioning, which makes it easy to connect the test results to the pipe being assessed.

Water Utilities Approval

To carry out a pressure test using this method, the test results including the pressure decay graph must be forwarded onto the relevant water utility company. Northumbrian water, for example, now requires data logging on all size mains with more than one joint regardless of the diameter.

If you would like more information on pressure testing or data logging please contact us today for a no obligation quote, or complete the contact form below or contact us.

Connection of a New Water Main

Prior to connection of a new water main, the majority of Water Utility companies require proof that your new main does not leak. Water Utility companies now have strict guidelines and procedures for pressure testing, which means this is not as simple as it might sound. Pressure testing often requires specialist expertise as well as satisfactory evidence, which in most cases requires full data logging and graphical analysis.

Mains Chlorination Ltd provide a full chlorination and pressure testing service for all new mains connections, irrespective of size. We are registered “Approved” by the Energy & Utility Skills Sector Group.

Choose the right contractor and do not opt for the cheapest mains chlorination.

Make sure the contractor you appoint is experienced and qualified in this field of expertise, otherwise you risk procedure failure and as a result your connection date not being achieved.

Ensure you request certification and evidence of the specific engineer due to undertake the works (not the company/contractor the actual engineer themselves). Websites can often portray an “all singing and all dancing” approach. However, it is important to identify who is going to complete the work.

Mains Chlorination Example 1

Mains Chlorination Ltd was appointed to a project recently where the previously appointed contractor failed to complete the works correctly. As a result, the connection date was cancelled and the venue was forced to cancel a wedding (the first event following the handover of the building by the main contractor). This was a decision of poor procurement and resulted in a substantial insurance claim and a lot of bad feelings.

Mains Chlorination Example 2

Mains Chlorination Ltd was appointed to a contractor in West Yorkshire (the contractor nor the client cannot be named for legal reasons). Chlorination works were completed by a different water hygiene company only weeks earlier. Following the work, the client began receiving water heater failures within the building. The number of failures began increasing as the days went on, which triggered an investigation as to why this was happening. The investigation confirmed severe corrosion damage and pitting to the individual units themselves along with a strong aroma of chlorine once the units had been removed and inspected.

The outcome was proved to be due to poor workmanship by the water hygiene contractor. The case was taken to court and the client was eventually awarded a claim in excess of twenty thousand pounds for the damages caused plus legal fees. The lesson here is you must ask the question “who is doing the actual work?” A website and company can demonstrate a world of expertise, however, if an inexperienced technician is appointed with little guidance and training to undertake the chlorination works the results can be huge and costly.

Pressure Testing Analysis

Type 2

Polyethylene pipelines are hydrostatically pressure tested in order to determine the integrity of the pipeline to test for leaks. This requires specialist analysis due to ‘creep’ values and not water loss. Mains Chlorination Ltd are experienced and approved by the Energy & Utility Skills Sector Group for the assessment of PE materials and deliver certification & analysis reports that comply with the latest versions of Industry guidance notes.

Type 1

Type 1 Test is more suited to ridged pipe material, such as ductile Iron, stainless steel and glass-reinforced plastic. Materials that do not exhibit creep damage. The test involves measuring the volumes of water lost during a test period.

10 Minute Test

The Ten Minute Test is devised for situations where a very short test time is required. It is suitable for testing polyethylene pipes often laid with the pipe-busting technique where water supply needs to be reconnected as quickly as possible.

Rather than measuring the pressure loss within the pipeline over a minimum of one hour, the Ten Minute Test maintains the pressure for a ten minute duration. The amount of water added is recorded to indicate the pressure changes within the pipeline. The joints must also be visually inspected for leakage during the ten minute test period.

We are a national specialist commissioning contractor with extensive experience on all water utility networks including Yorkshire Water, Northumbria Water, Anglian Water, Affinity Water, Essex & Suffolk Water, Dwr Cymru, United Utilities and Severn Trent Water. We use specialist equipment to ensure accuracy and dosing.

When on site our engineers carefully take microbiological samples which are then tested through our UKAS-accredited laboratory. A PDF chlorination certificate is issued for all work upon completion of the works.

Completion of the Chlorination Process

The utility providers you will be connecting to, for example Yorkshire Water or United Utilities will require the Chlorination Certificate and UKAS Testing results (passed) before a connect date will be agreed. Otherwise, they will not connect the water supply. It is important the company you choose to complete your works follow the Mains Chlorination British Standards.

Water Testing Service for Water Networks

We highly recommend you keep in regular contact with the utilities companies during the course of the chlorination process. You must also promptly provide them with the certification and UKAS test results to avoid any delay in a connection. Any delay in connection can be extremely costly for an organisation, or could have serious consequences if the premises have special events planned for example a wedding near to the time of connection.

If you choose to work with Mains Chlorination we will provide a full and complete electronic chlorination certificate which will be available upon completion of the work. The UKAS water sample will follow once analysis has been completed.

Chlorination Certificate

Comprehensive Mains Chlorinations and Chlorination Certificates

Mains Chlorination offers complete Main Chlorination services across the UK. Mains Water Chlorination Certificates are issued on the same day as the Mains Chlorination work. Water Sampling Water samples are taken on site and are delivered to an independent Laboratory.

Mains Water Chlorination Certificates Laboratory Results

Water sample results are returned in approximately 3-5 days.

When will the Water Company Connect?

Water companies such as Yorkshire Water will not proceed with the connection until the water sample results are returned to them with the Laboratory’s UKAS PDF certificate stating the samples are clear. Mains Chlorination will issue you with the certificate as soon as we receive it so you can send to the water company.

When is an Internal Pipework Disinfection Required?

An external mains chlorination is vital to maintain the quality of the drinking water supply. A Mains Chlorination service applies to all newly laid pipes that are:

• Over 50 metres in length
• Or a pipe of an internal diameter greater than 50mm i.e. 63mm and above, regardless of length

All of the above are required to have been disinfected/chlorinated prior to being connected to the water utilities mains water. A chlorination certificate is required. This will be issued by Mains Chlorination on the day of the Mains Chlorination, water sample results are returned in 3-5 working days.

When is a Chlorination Needed?

• Before the connection of new pipe work to the mains supply. Water companies will not connect without a valid certificate and UKAS lab result certificate
• If pipework has not been used for an extended period of time
• New build properties
• Installation or maintenance of sprinkler system

Contact us

If you would like to book a water mains chlorination please contact us or book a suitable time and date via our online booking system.

We work regularly with clients on existing building pipework chlorination work. Chlornations are often required for existing pipework for a number of reasons.

What is a Mains Pipework Disinfection?

A mains pipework disinfection or chlorination is the process of disinfecting and pre-commissioning new and existing private water supplies connecting to the mains, extending to a building’s internal hot and cold domestic system.

Internal Mains Water Pipework

Existing internal mains water pipework can be contaminated with bacteria, debris, dust, scale and general building debris and requires thorough flushing and disinfection to ensure that systems are clean and safe for use prior to handover generally following a fit-out or refurbishment. Following the Covid pandemic we have seen many buildings left unused and closed therefore it is recommended to conduct a mains chlorination prior to using the water systems once again.

Internal Mains Chlorination or Disinfection

An internal mains chlorination or disinfection is particularly important where drinking water outlets are present.

The recognised standard for undertaking this work is BS 8558 alongside any additional requirements of certain water authorities.

When is an Internal Pipework Chlorination/Disinfection Required?

• In any new installations as part of a building’s commissioning procedure
• If contamination within the water system is suspected
• If the water system has not been in regular use and therefore the pipe work has not been flushed regularly
• Where major extensions or alterations have been carried out to the water system
• Where underground pipe work has been installed connecting to the mains supply

If you would like to book a Main Chlorination service for new or existing pipework please contact us or book via our online booking system. You can also request an instant quote online.

Chlorination Before Connection

The chlorination of a new mains water supply must be chlorinated prior to connection by the Water Utility company for example Yorkshire Water or United Utilities in our operational area.

New Water Mains Chlorination Certificate

The Water Utility companies will not allow the connection of the new mains pipe onto their system until the new pipe work has been chlorinated in line with the correct methodology; the chlorination certificate and the independent UKAS microbiological analysis which must have passed!

Energy & Utility Skills Sector Group

Mains Chlorination Ltd provide a full chlorination and pressure testing service for all new mains connections, irrespective of size. We are registered “Approved” by the Energy & Utility Skills Sector Group.

Contact us for advice

If you would like to book a new water mains chlorination please contact us, request a quote or book online at a time that suits you.