Arizona Plumbing Practice Exam

What is the minimum psi required when testing a water supply system using the air test method?

1. 30 psi

2. 40 psi

3. 50 psi

4. 60 psi

The correct answer is: 50 psi

The correct minimum psi required when performing an air test on a water supply system is 50 psi. This standard is based on plumbing codes that ensure adequate pressure is maintained during testing to identify any potential leaks in the system. When testing, maintaining this minimum pressure allows for more reliable detection of leaks, as lower pressure may not effectively reveal small faults in joints or connections. The 50 psi standard helps ensure that the system can withstand the working pressures it will face when fully operational, thus promoting safety and integrity in plumbing installations. Higher minimum thresholds for psi, such as in the other choices, are not typically required for air testing, ensuring that the testing process balances efficacy with practicality and safety. Therefore, setting 50 psi as the baseline provides a rigorous yet achievable benchmark for plumbing professionals.