If a hydrostatic test shows a pressure drop during the test, what is the correct action?

• A. Ignore the drop and continue.
• B. Extend the test duration indefinitely.
• C. Re-torque fittings to fix leaks.
• D. Repair leaks and retest.

Answer: (D)

A hydrostatic test checks that a system can hold a specified pressure without leaking. If the pressure drops during the test, it indicates a leak somewhere in the system or a compromised joint. The correct action is to repair the leaks and retest, ensuring the entire system can sustain the required pressure for the mandated duration. Ignoring the drop won’t verify integrity, extending the test won’t fix leaks, and simply re-tightening fittings without addressing all leaks may leave hidden leaks unresolved. After repairing, re-pressurize to the required level and perform a full retest to confirm the system passes.