Inspection of the water system shall be conducted by the city water department staff. Several inspections are to be conducted as noted herein. Proceeding to the next phase of construction prior to the completion of the inspection on approval by the inspector is prohibited. The following on-site inspections shall be required:
(1) 
Easement site inspection.
(2) 
Basic installation inspection.
(3) 
Continuity test.
(4) 
Final inspection and certification.
(1995 Code, sec. 7-23)
The easement site inspection is to provide the water department staff with a visual location of the water system easement. The easement shall be located and clearly marked by certified surveyors. These markings shall identify the boundary of the easement, the centerline of the water line, and the location of fire hydrants and cutoff valves. Location of water mains shall be marked. These features shall be compared to the approved copy of the engineering design.
(1995 Code, sec. 7-24)
The water system basic installation inspection shall be conducted upon the completion of all trenching operations and the installation of pipes, cutoff valves, fire hydrants, water meter boxes, saddle and corner blocks, and other equipment and features. The inspector shall certify the water system with respect to location, adherence to specifications, materials, and other installation features.
(1995 Code, sec. 7-25)
(a) 
The purpose of the leakage test is to establish that the section of line tested, including all joints, fittings and other appurtenances, will not leak or that leakage is within the limits of the applicable allowance.
(b) 
Normal operating pressure is usually applied for leakage tests. Pressure should be maintained at a constant level throughout the period of test. Measurement of the amount of additional water pumped in during the test provides a measurement of the amount of leakage, if any.
(c) 
Air trapped in the line during the test will affect test results. Generally, the project engineer will establish leakage allowance and indicate methods and procedure for testing. If not, table Z may be used to determine maximum leakage allowable.
(d) 
A properly installed line will normally show little or no leakage using the methods described.
(e) 
A gross leak can usually be traced to a major problem (i.e., left-out gasket, dislodged gasket, broken pipe, loose mechanical joint bolts, inadequate thrust block). Usually these problems are readily detected and quickly repaired.
(f) 
A minor leak greater than allowable limits is frequently frustrating and difficult to find and repair. The use of dye in the system may be necessary. The best way to avoid this problem is to prevent it during installation.
(1) 
Vent all high points; use a corporation stop if air release valves are not required.
(2) 
Double and triple check all mechanical joint bolted connections.
TABLE Z. LEAKAGE ALLOWABLE
U.S. GALLONS PER 1,000 FEET PER HOUR
Pipe Size
Test Pressure
(psi)
50
100
150
200
250
4"
0.38
0.54
0.66
0.77
0.85
6"
0.57
0.81
0.99
1.15
1.28
8"
0.76
1.08
1.32
1.53
1.71
10"
0.96
1.35
1.66
1.91
2.14
12"
1.15
1.62
1.99
2.30
2.56
(1995 Code, sec. 7-26)
A nonrefundable inspection fee as set by the city council shall be paid to the city upon acceptance of the water system plan.
(1995 Code, sec. 7-33)