The pressure during an air test must be held for at least how many minutes?

The requirement for the pressure during an air test to be maintained for at least 15 minutes is grounded in the need to ensure the integrity of the plumbing system being tested. This duration allows sufficient time for any potential leaks to manifest, permitting inspectors to verify that the system can hold the required pressure without any loss.

Holding the pressure for a minimum of 15 minutes is crucial in identifying small leaks or failures that could compromise the system's performance. If the test were to be conducted for a shorter period, there might not be enough opportunity for leaks to reveal themselves, leading to potentially undetected issues that could result in system failures or water damage in the future.

This timeframe is established in plumbing codes to promote thorough testing practices that ensure safety and reliability in plumbing systems. By adhering to this standard, inspectors and plumbers can confidently ascertain that the system meets the necessary requirements before it is put into use.