255.511 Test requirements for service lines.

(a)Except for steel service lines greater than two inches (51 millimeters) in nominal diameter that are to operate at 125 psig (862 kPa) or more, each segment of a service line must be leak tested in accordance with this section before being placed into service.#

(b)Steel service lines greater than two inches (51 millimeters) in nominal diameter that are to operate at 125 psig (862 kPa) or more must be tested in accordance with section 255.505(a)-(f) of this Part.#

(c)Except for copper service lines, the test pressure shall be 90 psig (621 kPa) or 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure, whichever is greater; however, the maximum test pressure and material temperature during the test for plastic service lines must be in accordance with section 255.507(b) of this Part.#

(d)For copper service lines, the test pressure shall be 50 psig (345 kPa) or 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure, whichever is greater; however, the maximum test pressure may not be more than three times the design pressure for the pipe.#

(e)The test medium shall be water, inert gas or air.#

(f)The test duration shall be as follows:#

(1)for service lines two inches (51 millimeters) and smaller to operate at less than 125 psig (862 kPa), 15 minutes;#

(2)for service lines two inches (51 millimeters) and smaller to operate at 125 psig (862 kPa) or more, two hours; or#

(3)for service lines greater than two inches (51 millimeters) to operate at less than 125 psig (862 kPa), 30 minutes.#

(g)The limits of the test shall be from the main to one of the following points:#

(1)in the case of an inside meter or meter-regulator setting:#

(i)for each segment of a service line intended to be operated at a pressure of less than 1 psig, the first fitting inside the wall of the customer's structure through which the service enters. Each segment of an interior service line operating below 1 psig must be leak-tested at the operating pressure when placed in service, in lieu of the test required under subdivision (c) of this section; or#

(ii)for each segment of a service line intended to be operated at a pressure of at least 1 psig, to the first fitting upstream of the meter. Interior piping intended to be operated at a pressure of at least 1 psig (6.9 kPa) but not more than 40 psig (276 kPa), may be given a leak test at a pressure of not less than 50 psig (345 kPa), in lieu of the test required under subdivision (c) of this section;#

(2)in the case of an outside meter or meter-regulator setting, to the meter riser valve, if any, or the first fitting on the riser upstream of the regulator where one is installed; or#

(3)in the case of an inside meter with an outside regulator; to the first fitting on the riser upstream of the regulator.#

(h)The service line connection to the main need not be included in these tests if it is not feasible to be so. However, it must be given a leakage test at operating pressure when placed in service.#

(i)The test indicator for service line tests shall be a calibrated pressure gauge marked in five psig (34.5 kPa) increments for service lines to operate at 100 psig (689 kPa) or more. For tests on lines to operate at less than 100 psig (689 kPa), the test indicator must be such that any loss of pressure can be readily detected.#