Patent ID: 12259298

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatus or processes will be described below to provide an example of each claimed embodiment. No example described below limits any claimed embodiment and any claimed embodiment may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed embodiments are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatus or processes described below.

Referring now toFIG.1, a pressure testing apparatus100may be provided for pressure testing a plumbing system102. In some examples, the pressure testing apparatus100is operable to test the pressure-holding capability of a plumbing system102or a portion thereof. For example, a user (i.e. a plumber) may test a plumbing system102after installing the plumbing system or replacing a component of the plumbing system (e.g. replacing a section of piping in a residential hot water line) to verify that the plumbing system meets requirements. The pressure testing apparatus100may be operable to pressurize the plumbing system102or the portion thereof, close off the plumbing system102or the portion thereof, and detect pressure changes over time, such as pressure losses or pressure gains, to check the pressure-holding capabilities of the plumbing system102.

A pressure test conducted by or using the pressure testing apparatus100may be carried out according to a predetermined operating schedule setting out the operation of components (e.g. pumps, valves, and sensors) of the pressure testing apparatus100, as described further below. In many examples, a predetermined operating schedule is designed to apply a pressure test as defined by one or more authority, such as a manufacturer of a component of the plumbing system (i.e. to verify that manufacturer-mandated testing is conducted, which may optionally be required for warranty validation), a water supply authority (i.e. to verify that local jurisdiction building code requirements are met), and/or a drainage system authority (i.e. again, to verify that local jurisdiction building code requirements are met).

The pressure testing apparatus100may be automated or partially automated. For example, the pressure testing apparatus may be able to automatically run a predetermined operating schedule of pressurization and/or monitoring steps, and may be operable to automatically collect a set of pressure data from one or more pressure sensors and store and/or send the set of pressure data (e.g. send to a mobile device and/or a remote server). The set of pressure data may be stored and/or sent in an untampered form as a forensic record, optionally along with further information such as calibration information or supporting information (e.g. location information or clock information) provided by the pressure testing apparatus100, as described further below.

The pressure testing apparatus100includes a conduit assembly106to be joined with a plumbing system102. The conduit assembly106is provided to pressurize the plumbing system102and to acquire a set of pressure data. The pressure testing apparatus100also includes a control system108to operate the conduit assembly106, and may include a power supply (e.g. a power cord to be plugged into a residential power system and/or an onboard power supply such as a battery) to power the pressure testing apparatus100(e.g. the control system108and/or components of the conduit assembly106). The conduit assembly106may be joinable to the plumbing system102to form a joined system110, such as a joined system of piping and other plumbing system components adapted hold a pressurized fluid.

As discussed, the joined system110may be pressurized and monitored according to a testing procedure, protocol, or operating schedule. A testing procedure, protocol, or operating schedule may be a programmed series or sequence of (applied) increased pressures, pressure and time measurements, and decreased (vented) pressures, with a defined time dependency. For example, the joined system110may be isolated, pressurized, closed off from a pump112, and monitored to check if there are any leaks in the joined system. Recorded pressure data may be used, such as stored to form a forensic record, provided to a stakeholder such as a warranty provider, provided to an operator of the pressure testing apparatus100, analyzed (e.g. analytically or via an artificial intelligence to determine whether the plumbing system passed or failed the test and/or to detect or identify pressure issues) to provide suggestions to the operator in real time, or analyzed and stored as a forensic record, as described further below. The recorded pressure data may be associated with further information, such as information regarding the test procedure that was carried out, location information, and operator information, as described further below.

The conduit assembly106includes the fluid pump112. The fluid pump112may be used to pressurize the conduit assembly106and/or the joined system110. The fluid pump112may be used to pump fluid into the conduit assembly106and/or the joined system110to pressurize. The fluid pump112may be a liquid or gas pump, and may be, for example, an air compressor. An air compressor may be easy to use, since ambient air may be readily available for use in pressurizing.

The conduit assembly106includes at least one testing branch116. In the illustrated example, the conduit assembly106includes a single testing branch116. Each testing branch116includes a testing conduit118having a conduit outlet120(e.g. a port) to be coupled to a plumbing system outlet122(e.g. a port) of a line124of the plumbing system102to fluidly couple the plumbing system102to the fluid pump112. Optionally, the line124of the plumbing system102is governed by a valve126of the plumbing system102.

The pressure testing apparatus100is selectively operable to close one or more testing branch of the conduit assembly to prevent fluid flow through the closed testing branch or branches. Each testing branch may be selectively closed independent of each other in some examples. For example, fluid pump112may prevent any backflow.

However, as in the illustrated example, each testing branch116may include a testing branch valve system128. Valves of the valve system128may be electronically controllable valves, such as solenoid valves. Each testing branch valve system128includes at least one testing valve130governing fluid flow through the testing conduit118between the fluid pump112and the conduit outlet120. The testing valve130may be used to fluidly separate the fluid pump112and the plumbing system102. For example, the fluid pump112may be used to pre-pressurize an upstream portion132of the testing conduit118before that upstream portion132of the testing conduit118is opened to the plumbing system102, such as to prevent the fluid in the plumbing system102from surging against the fluid pump112. A testing valve130may also be used to fluidly separate a downstream portion134of the testing conduit118from the fluid pump112, such as to permit the pump to pressurize the joined system110and then seal the plumbing system102and downstream portion134for a period of time to allow the pressure therein to be monitored.

Each testing branch116includes at least one pressure sensor136coupled to the testing conduit118between the testing valve130and the conduit outlet120to sense a fluid pressure within the testing conduit118. Output from the at least one pressure sensor136may be received by the control system108, discussed further below. In some examples, sensors (e.g. the pressure sensor136) of the pressure testing apparatus100output digital outputs. In some examples, one or more sensors of the pressure testing apparatus100outputs an analog output, and the pressure testing apparatus100includes at least one analog to digital converter to convert the analog output to a digital output prior to providing the output to be processed by a processor of the pressure testing apparatus100.

The illustrated example testing branch valve system128includes an optional sensor valve138governing fluid flow between the testing conduit118and the pressure sensor136. For example, the sensor valve138may be used to protect the pressure sensor136from a surge in fluid from the plumbing system102. When the plumbing system102is joined to the conduit assembly106, the fluid, such as water, in the plumbing system102may enter the conduit assembly106or a portion thereof. The pressure sensor136may be damaged by this fluid, particularly if the pressure sensor is designed for use in sensing the pressure of a gas such as air, and the fluid of the plumbing system102is a liquid such as water. The sensor valve138may be kept closed until the conduit assembly106is pressurized by the fluid pump112. The sensor valve138may be used to preserve a quantity of gas adjacent the pressure sensor136in the sensor portion140of the conduit assembly106to form a bubble or buffer between the pressure sensor136and other fluid, such as water, in the conduit assembly106.

The control system108is communicatively coupled to the conduit assembly106to selectively close one or more testing branch of the conduit assembly to prevent fluid flow therethrough (e.g. according to a preset operating schedule). As in the illustrated example, the control system108may selectively close the one or more testing branch by operating and/or communicating with valves (e.g. each valve system128), sensors (e.g. each pressure sensor136), and/or the fluid pump112of the pressure testing apparatus100. For example, the control system108may be operable to control the opening and closing of valves of a valve system128and operable to monitor and/or record the output of an pressure sensor136. Optionally, the control system108is also operable to control the fluid pump112.

The control system108includes at least one processor144. The processor144may be an on-board processor. For example, the control system108may include a micro computer, such as an Internet of Things micro computer (e.g. the Omega2 LTE Global IoT micro computer). The processor144may be coupled to the fluid pump112, the valves (e.g. the valve system128), and/or the sensors (e.g. the pressure sensor136) to operate and/or monitor the pump, valves, and/or sensors.

The control system108also includes at least one data storage device146or computer readable memory communicatively coupled to the processor144. The data storage device146or computer readable memory may have recorded thereon statements and instructions for execution by the processor144, such as instructions to run a preset operating schedule.

The preset operating schedule may be part of a set of at least one preset operating schedules defining operational states, sequences, and/or durations of components of the pressure testing apparatus100(e.g. when to activate the pump112, open and close valves128, and gather data from the pressure sensor136). The set of preset operating schedules may be updatable, to allow for new schedules to be added for new jurisdictions or authorities or to allow for changes in schedules to reflect changing requirements. The set of preset operating schedules may be stored on the data storage device146or on an external device such as a mobile device or server (e.g. the statements and instruction on the computer readable memory may include instruction to access a preset operating schedule on an external device).

At least one input-output communications device154is communicatively coupled to the control system108. In some examples, the input-output communications device154is a non-network device, such as simply a touchscreen or a set of buttons and lights. However, in some examples, the input-output communications device154is a network device.

A network device is a node in a wireless mesh network and can transmit and receive wireless data and perform basic functions necessary to support network formation and maintenance. The input-output communications device154may include a plurality of input-output communications devices, such as a wireless local area network communications device (e.g. a Wi-Fi™ communications device) and a wireless wide area network communications device (e.g. a 4G LTE™ communications device).

The control system108may be communicatively coupled to external and/or remote devices through the input-output communications device154. For example, the processor144may be communicatively coupled to at least one remote server148(i.e. at least one cloud server) and/or at least one remote data storage device150through the input-output communications device154.

The control system108may be communicatively coupled to a user device156(e.g. a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet) via the input-output communications device154. In some examples, the control system108is communicatively coupled to the user device156to receive an operating instruction158from the user device156. The operating instruction158may direct the operation of the control system108, such as to direct the control system108to access a selected operating schedule152and operate the fluid pump112, the valve system128, and the pressure sensor136according to the selected operating schedule152. In some examples, the operating instruction158is selected from a list of predefined options, and the operator is restricted to one of the predefined options. The predefined options may be changed by reprograming or updating.

In some examples, the user device156is a mobile device such as a mobile phone. The pressure testing apparatus100may require a certified and/or password protected user mobile device application to be installed on the mobile device before the mobile device can be used to direct the pressure testing apparatus100(i.e. before the mobile device can be used to send the instruction158).

The user device156may be operable to scan a code on a component of the plumbing system102. For example, the user device156may be operable to scan a bar code or quick response code printed on a fitting such as a pipe. The user device156may be operable to retrieve an identifier, such as a serial number of the component of the plumbing system102, and provide the identifier to the control system108via the input-output communications device. The control system108may be operable to associate the identifier with the set of pressure data.

The control system108may be operable to gather a set of pressure data during a pressure test. For example, the processor144may be operable to receive output from the sensors (e.g. the pressure sensor136) as a set of pressure data. The control system108may be operable to send the set of pressure data to the remote server148and/or remote data storage device150for storage, such as for storage as a forensic record. Storage of the set of pressure data on the remote server148may facilitate access to the set of pressure data by parties other than the user of the user device156.

The set of pressure data may be sent via a secure connection and in untampered form. In some examples, the pressure testing apparatus100is operable to send a set of pressure testing data and optional supporting information (e.g. location and clock time information) directly (i.e. without providing access to any party, including the party initiating the pressure test) to the remote server148via a secure connection. Directly sending the set of pressure testing data and optional supporting information to the remote server148may remove opportunities to tamper with the set of pressure testing data and optional supporting information.

Referring now toFIG.2, in some examples the remote server148is communicatively coupled to an access device162such as a desktop computer of a plumber, building owner, equipment manufacturer, or insurance party. Accordingly, the access device162may be used to view and/or manipulate the set of pressure data. Final reporting, warranty, and closing documents may be automatically delivered to qualified parties (e.g. homeowners, engineers, local building departments, insurers, etc.) registered against a specific test site by an authorized party such as the installer's home office.

In some examples, the set of pressure data is stored as a forensic record164. A forensic record164may be a secure record containing the set of pressure data in an untampered form to be used to verify the results of a pressure test. In some examples, the forensic record164also includes further supporting information, as discussed further below.

Referring again toFIG.1, in some examples, the remote server148includes at least one processor160(i.e. a cloud computing processor). The control system108may be operable to send the set of pressure data to the processor160to be processed, such as to be processed in real time to provide a user (i.e. a plumber) with an alert and/or suggestion if an issue is detected, as discussed further below. The remote processor160may have greater processing capabilities than one on-board processor144of the control system108.

In use, the control system108may receive an instruction158from the user device156to implement a preset operating schedule152. The control system108may access the preset operating schedule152stored on the remote server148and then operate the pressure testing apparatus100as directed by the present operating schedule152. For example, the preset operating schedule152may include opening the testing valve130, then operating the fluid pump112to pressurize the plumbing system102, then closing the testing valve130for a testing time period (i.e. to prevent fluid leakage out of the plumbing system102through the conduit assembly106during the testing time period) while monitoring the output of the pressure sensor136. The control system108may then send the set of monitored pressure data to the remote server148. If the plumbing system or a line thereof fails to pressurize, such as due to a set up fault or a leak, the pump112may be automatically shut off and/or the associated testing branch may be closed to prevent possibly damaging a building due to leaking fluid.

Referring now toFIG.3, illustrated is an example of a set of pressure data obtained from a pressure test. The set of pressure data is presented as a pressure vs. time graph. In some examples, a forensic record includes a set of pressure data presented as a graph, such as a pressure vs. time graph.

In some examples the preset operating schedule152(i.e. pressure test) includes pumping the pressure of the joined system110to a first prescribed pressure168of a plurality of prescribed pressures. The pump and/or testing valve130may be turned off or closed when the first prescribed pressure is reached and/or a defined set of measured data indicates a fault condition. Where the defined set of measured data indicates the fault condition the test is optionally aborted with respect to at least one testing branch, though in some examples data will continue to be measured and/or recorded when the test is aborted.

If the first prescribed pressure168is reached, the first prescribed pressure168may be held for a first length of testing time170of a plurality of testing times according to the preset operating schedule. For example, the testing valve130may be closed to prevent the joined system110from depressurizing through the conduit assembly106. Then the joined system110may be pressurized to a second prescribed pressure172of the plurality of prescribed pressures. The second prescribed pressure172may be lower than the first prescribed pressure168(i.e. pressure may be released). The second prescribed pressure172may be held for a second testing time174of the plurality of testing times. For example, again, the testing valve130may be closed to prevent the joined system110from depressurizing through the conduit assembly106. If the system is able to reach and hold the pressures, the plumbing system may pass the pressure test. An alert may be sent to a user device156when the pressure test is complete, and the alert may include an indication of whether the pressure test was passed. The set of monitored pressure data may be sent to the remote server148.

In some examples, if an issue is encountered during operations of a pressure testing apparatus100the set of pressure data may be used to detect the issue and optionally identify a cause of the issue.

The set of pressure data may be analyzed in real time or subsequent to the operations of the pressure testing apparatus100. Analysis may be manual or automatic. For example, a user may receive the set of pressure data on the user device148in real time, and examine the set of pressure data in real time to determine that the pressure in the joined system110is not being maintained once the pump112is shut off. The user may accordingly check whether all valves closing off the joined system110are closed, such as toilet valves or shut off valves governing an opening to a water main. For example, the user may determine that the set of pressure data indicates that a toilet valve of the plumbing system102is not closed, and may then close the toilet valve to allow the testing procedure to continue or be restarted.

In some examples, a user may need to be attentive and/or experienced to notice and/or interpret the set of pressure data properly. For example, a busy user may not notice that the set of pressure data indicates that a valve of the pressure testing apparatus100failed midway through a test. Failing to notice the issue may result in the test continuing for several additional hours without remedial action being taken, which may result in property damage and/or wasted time. In another example, an inexperienced user may not realize that the inability of the pressure testing apparatus100to pressurize the system is a result of one or more known issues, such as failure to close a particular system valve. The user may not recognize characteristics of the set of pressure data that indicate which valve is not working properly.

In some examples, analysis is automatic. For example, the control system108may be configured to detect an issue indicated in the set of pressure data (e.g. a failure to reach the first prescribed pressure168, a significant delay in reaching the first prescribed pressure168, or a steady or sudden drop in pressure once the pump112is shut off) and send a fault alert notification in real time to a user device148via the input-output communications device152.

Optionally, the control system108is operable to determine the cause of the leak. In some examples, the control system108is configured to compare the set of pressure data to a set of pressure loss profiles178to determine a suggested pressure loss cause, and associate the suggested pressure loss cause with the set of pressure data. In the illustrated example, the set of pressure loss profiles178are stored on the external data storage device150, and accessed through the input-output communications device152. Alternatively, the set of pressure loss profiles178may be stored locally or on the user device148.

The set of pressure loss profiles178may be pressure loss profiles for which the cause of the pressure loss event is known. Comparison to the set of pressure loss profiles may facilitate determining the cause of the pressure loss.

Comparing the set of pressure data to a set of pressure loss profiles178may be done by matching identifiable characteristics in a set of pressure data to known characteristics. An example of a characteristic is a sudden drop in pressure (i.e. an unintended loss of a predetermined amount of pressure within a predetermined time), indicating a sudden failure of a valve or cartridge. Another example of a characteristic is a steady drop in pressure until the joined system110equalizes with the pressure of the water main, indicating that the shut off valve has failed.

Comparing the set of pressure data to a set of pressure loss profiles178may include providing the set of pressure data to an artificial intelligence. The artificial intelligence may be operated on the remote server148. The artificial intelligence may be a neural network that has been trained using the set of pressure loss profiles178. The artificial intelligence may be trained to recognize the existence of an issue such as a pressure loss event, and may provide a notification alert to the user device148. The artificial intelligence may also be trained to recognize a cause of an issue, and may suggest a course of action (e.g. suggesting that the plumber check a shower cartridge or a toilet valve or a shut off valve to the water main).

Referring now toFIG.4, illustrated is a first example pressure loss profile180. The first pressure loss profile180displays a deceleration characteristic182, a slow failure to maintain pressure characteristic184, and an equilibrium with a water supply pressure characteristic186. The first pressure loss profile180is associated with an issue with the valve between the plumbing system102and a main water supply.

The control system108may be operable to detect one or more, or two or more, or all three characteristics182,184,186in a set of pressure data, and alert the user that there is an issue. The control system108may be operable to tell the user that the issue is associated with the valve between the plumbing system102and the main water supply. The control system108may be operable to suggest that the user check that the valve between the plumbing system102and the main water supply is fully closed and/or functioning properly.

Referring now toFIG.5, illustrated is a second example pressure loss profile188. The second pressure loss profile188displays a sudden loss of pressure characteristic190shortly after the pump112is turned off at192. The second pressure loss profile188is associated with a failure of a shower cartridge, since the pressure level restabilizes at approximately 70 psi (i.e. the house supply pressure).

The control system108may be operable to detect a sudden loss of pressure characteristic190and use the restabilization pressure or other subsequent pressure features to determine what the cause of the issue is.

Many pressure loss profiles and/or many pressure loss profile characteristics (e.g. defined as a rate of change of a pressure vs. time curve) may be known and/or applied. For example, many pressure loss profiles, each including one or more characteristics, may be stored to be compared to a set of pressure data to determine the cause of an issue. In another example, many pressure loss profiles and/or pressure loss profile characteristics may be used as input to train an artificial intelligence.

Referring again toFIG.1, the pressure testing apparatus100may be a portable apparatus194. The portable apparatus194is a self-contained unit that can be moved from one job site to another. For example, the portable apparatus194may include a housing or frame, and the conduit assembly106, control system108, and the input-output communications device154may be coupled to the housing or frame. In some examples, the portable apparatus194includes a housing or case measuring less than two feet cubed. For example, the portable apparatus194may include a housing or case measuring 12 inches by 8 inches by 6 inches.

Information about the location of a pressure test may facilitate using the set of pressure test data in a forensic record, and may be associated with or included in a forensic record. Location information may allow reasonable certainty that the set of pressure test data is from the testing of a particular plumbing system if the location information indicates that the conduit assembly106was at the same location as the particular plumbing system when the set of pressure test data was acquired. The location of the pressure test apparatus may be reliably obtained from a location system196coupled to the conduit assembly106.

The illustrated example pressure testing apparatus100includes a location system196to provide a set of location information to be associated with the set of pressure data. The location system196may include a satellite positioning system and/or an altitude sensor. For example, a satellite positioning system (e.g. using global positioning system or other global navigation satellite system technology, or using assisted global positioning system technology incorporating cellphone tower information) may give the map coordinates at which the set of pressure data was acquired. Optionally, altitude may also be provided by the satellite positioning system. Where a separate altitude sensor is included (such as if the altitude information from a satellite positioning system is not accurate enough) the altitude sensor, which may be, for example, a barometer, may give an altitude at which the set of pressure data was acquired. The map coordinates may allow a determination of which building the plumbing system102was in, while the altitude information may allow a determination of which floor the plumbing system102was on. For example, the location system may facilitate determining which condo unit in a condo tower the plumbing system102that was tested was in.

Determining the time at which the set of pressure test data was acquired may also facilitate using the set of pressure test data in a forensic record. The illustrated example pressure conduit assembly106includes a clock198. The clock198provides a set of clock information to be associated with the set of pressure data. The clock information may include, for example, a date and time of day. A date and time of day may be added to the set of pressure testing data to allow for verification that the pressure test was performed at the date and time. For example, the date and time of day associated with a set of pressure data may be used to verify that the plumbing system102was operating properly at the verified date and time, and any issues must have developed subsequently.

Information about the operator of the apparatus100and/or the company the operator works for may also be associated with a set of pressure testing data. For example, the control system108may be operable to receive an operator identifier and/or an installer company identifier from the user (e.g. from the user device156via the input/output communication device154). The control system108may be operable to associate the operator identifier and the installer company identifier with the set of pressure data. The operator identifier and the installer company identifier may be associated with the set of pressure data prior to the set of pressure data being provided for storage as a forensic record.

An optional calibration step may be performed prior to pressure testing. Calibration information may verified by and/or be traceable to a standards association such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The pressure testing apparatus100may make it possible to compare the performance of a plumbing system with a manufacturer's requirements and/or the requirements set out by a water supply authority or other standards.

Referring now toFIG.6, a pressure testing system300may include a plurality of testing branches. The pressure testing system300is similar in many respects to the pressure testing system100, and like features are indicated with like reference numbers incremented by 200.

A plurality of testing branches may facilitate use with complex plumbing systems, and may allow simultaneous testing of multiple branches of a plumbing system. In the illustrated example, the at least one testing branch includes a hot water line testing branch402to be coupled to a hot water line404of the plumbing system302and a cold water line testing branch406to be coupled to a cold water line408of the plumbing system302.

The lines may each be tested independently. Independent testing branches may allow a testing of one line to be unaffected by a testing of another. For example, if the hot water line404fails to maintain a testing pressure, the test of the cold water line408may be unaffected. If the test of the hot water line404is aborted when it becomes apparent that the hot water line404is unable to maintain a testing pressure (e.g. if the control system308determines that the hot water line404has not reached the target pressure within a predetermined duration of time, and accordingly a valve is closed to separate the hot water line404from the pump), the test of the cold water line408may continue.

Independent testing branches may also allow a testing of one line following a different testing schedule than another. Pressure in one testing branch may be tested more often than pressure in another testing branch. For example, pressure versus time data may be acquired at high, sub-second, sampling rates for higher pressure lines (e.g. hot and cold water lines) and at low, tens of minutes, sampling rates for lower pressure lines (such as drain lines).

The conduit assembly306also includes a release line410(i.e. a vent line) to release the pressure in the conduit assembly306. For example, when testing is complete and/or between testing steps when pressure needs to be lowered, the pressure in the conduit assembly306may be relieved through the release line410. For example, the release line410may relieve pressure prior to the decoupling of the conduit assembly306from the plumbing system302.

Referring now toFIG.7, a pressure testing system500may include independent testing branches that can be pressured to different pressures. The pressure testing system500is similar in many respects to the pressure testing system300, and like features are indicated with like reference numbers incremented by 200.

In the illustrated example, the at least one testing branch includes a drain line testing branch616to be coupled to a drain line618of the plumbing system502.

As mentioned above, the lines may each be tested independently. In addition to preventing the pressure in one line from affecting the pressure in another, this may also facilitate running a pressure test on a system that does not require all lines to be capable of handling the same pressure and/or duration. For example, many jurisdictions require that the hot water line604and the cold water line608are capable of maintaining a high pressure, such as a pressure between 50 and 150 psi. However, a drain line618may only need to be capable of maintaining a low pressure, such as a pressure between 2 psi and 10 psi. In another example, the duration of a test of a hot water line or a cold water line may be 2 hours, while the duration of a test of a drain line is 24 hours.

Independent lines may allow the hot water line604and the cold water line608to be pressurized to a high pressure, such as 120 psi or 80 psi, while the drain line618is pressurized to a low pressure, such as 5 psi. For example, the pressure testing apparatus500includes a hot water line testing branch602, a cold water line testing branch606, and a drain line testing branch616, in addition to the release line610.

Referring now toFIG.8, a method700of testing the pressure of a plumbing system is illustrated. Method700includes, at stage701, setting up for a pressure testing cycle. Stage701includes, at step702, joining a fluid pump to the plumbing system via a conduit assembly of a pressure testing apparatus100to form a joined system.

Optionally, the conduit assembly includes a hot water line branch to be joined to a hot water line of the plumbing system and a cold water line branch to be joined to a cold water line of the plumbing system. The at least one valve may include a hot branch valve governing fluid flow through the hot water line branch and a cold branch valve governing fluid flow through the cold water line branch.

Method700also includes, at stage704, running a pressure testing cycle using the pressure testing apparatus100. The pressure testing cycle may include a plurality of steps, and may be performed according to a preset operating schedule and in accordance with requirements set by an authority, as discussed above.

Stage704may include a prepressurization phase. The prepressurization phase includes, at step708, fluidly separating the fluid pump from the plumbing system (e.g. using the at least one valve), operating, at step710, a fluid pump of the pressure testing apparatus to pre-pressurize the conduit assembly, and fluidly joining, at step712, the fluid pump and the plumbing system (e.g. by opening the at least one valve).

Stage704includes, at step714, pressurizing the joined system to a first prescribed pressure of a plurality of prescribed pressures according to a preset operating schedule using the fluid pump. Step714may follow the prepressurization phase.

After the joined system is at the first prescribed pressure, at least one testing branch of the conduit assembly is, at step716, closed to prevent fluid leakage from the joined system through the at least one testing branch (i.e. to isolate the joined system during periods of non-pressurization for purposes of data collection and analysis), and kept closed for a first testing time of a plurality of testing times according to the preset operating schedule.

After the first testing time, the at least one testing branch is, at step718, opened (e.g. at least one valve is opened) and the joined system is pressurized to a second prescribed pressure of the plurality of prescribed pressures. The second prescribed pressure may be lower than the first prescribed pressure.

After the joined system is at the second prescribed pressure, the at least one testing branch is, at step720, closed to prevent fluid leakage from the joined system through the at least one testing branch, and kept closed for a second testing time of the plurality of testing times.

Running a pressure testing cycle also includes, at step722, monitoring the pressure of the joined system during the plurality of testing times using a pressure sensor of the pressure testing apparatus to compile a set of pressure data. The set of pressure data may be time-stamped to show when the set of pressure data was obtained.

At step724, a location of the pressure testing apparatus during the testing time is determined using a location sensor of the pressure testing apparatus, and the location is included in the forensic record. A clock time of day and date information may also be included in the forensic record.

At step726, the set of pressure data is stored on a data storage device (e.g. pressure data, clock information, and location information) to form a forensic record.

It is to be understood that while method700is described above as applying one test protocol to a single testing branch, a testing apparatus may include more than one testing branch (e.g. 2, 3, 5, 10 or more testing branches). Further, a testing apparatus or system may be programmable such that any custom or predefined testing protocol or operating schedule can be used. For example, a user could apply a testing protocol as defined by a governmental authority or a testing protocol defined by a manufacturer or a custom testing protocol. A user may apply a chosen testing protocol to plumbing systems which include multiple hot water lines and multiple cold water lines, such as condominium systems. A user may test a plurality of lines simultaneously and independently via a plurality of testing branches of a testing apparatus such as the pressure testing apparatus500. Data from each testing branch may be analyzed independently. In some examples, test data may be analyzed separately for each testing branch and then test data and analysis may be combined into a single report.

The present invention has been described here by way of example only. Various modification and variations may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.