A hydrostatic test should be made at periodic intervals to determine if a hose is suitable for continued
service. This testing is to be performed in an environment that protects personnel and property from
any unexpected failure.
periodic hydrostatic tests
The periodic hydrostatic tests should be performed for a minimum of five minutes at 1.5 or 2.0 the
recommended working pressure of the hose. Contact the manufacturer/supplier for the recommended
test pressure. During the hydrostatic test, the hose should be straight, not coiled or in a kinked position.
Water is the recommended test medium unless some other medium is required by the manufacturer or
customer. A regular schedule for testing should be followed and inspection/testing records maintained.
Safety warning:
Before conducting any pressure tests on hose, provisions must be made to ensure the safety of the
personnel performing the tests and to prevent any possible damage to property. Only trained personnel
using proper tools and adequate PPE should conduct any pressure test. It is recommended that testing
only be performed by trained, competent personnel using potable water. Air or any other compressible
gas should only be used as the test media under special circumstances using proper safety equipment
and industry / manufacturer’s recommended processes. Contact your supplier prior to testing with any
gas including air. Because of the explosive action of using any gas, a failure might result in damage to
property and/or serious bodily injury.
General Hydrostatic Test Procedure
Once proper end connections have been chosen and attached to the hose assembly, the hose is to
be laid in a straight position. Test fittings must be rated at least at the same pressure as the maximum
pressure to be applied.
Mark immediately behind both fittings prior to pressurization in order to determine whether there is any
coupling slippage. Connect the hose to be tested to the supply hose or manifold.
Caution: When tightening connections, never place wrenches on sleeves or ferrules. Always place
wrenches on hex nuts.
Elevate the exhaust end of the assembly and fill hose minimum water pressure. Continue to elevate
exhaust end until all the air has been removed from inside the hose. Once all the air is exhausted,
close the exhaust valve and replace hose in the straight position. Restraints should be connected at this
time.
Caution: It is critical that all the air in the hose has been exhausted before testing begins..14.
After closing the exhaust valve, check all connections to insure there is no leaking. Once all leaking
has been eliminated, raise pressure to the hose’s rated working pressure and hold. After approximately
one minute, visually inspect hose and couplings for any leaking or unusual conditions. If any unusual
conditions appear contact the appropriate person for disposition of the hose.
Hold pressure at the working pressure long enough to check for leaks and perform any measurements
required. Once this is completed and the hose assembly shows no signs of leaking, raise pressure to the
test pressure and hold for five (5) minutes.
Again, inspect assembly for any leaks and any excessive coupling movement. If any leaking of the
assembly occurs, immediately discontinue test and mark hose with appropriate information for
disposition later.
After test pressure has been maintained for a minimum of five (5) minutes and the hose assembly has
not shown any signs of leaking or coupling movement, release pressure gradually until it is reduced to 0.
Once all pressure has been released, test caps must be removed, all water drained from the hose and
the ends of the hose couplings protected in a suitable manner (i.e. protective caps, taping, etc.).
QUESTIONS ON HOSE INSPECTION?
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