What method should be used to inspect new sewers before they are placed in service?

• A. With Air or Water
• B. Visual Inspection Only
• C. Dye Testing
• D. Video Inspection

Answer: (A)

Testing new sewers before they go into service focuses on making sure the line is leak-tight. The best approach is to perform an air pressure test or a hydrostatic (water) test. By sealing the line and either pressurizing it with air or filling it with water and watching for any loss of pressure or drop in water level, you directly verify joint integrity and detect leaks along the entire run. This method catches defective joints, misjoins, or cracks before backfilling, which is essential for a reliable, serviceable sewer.

Visual inspection alone can’t reveal hidden leaks inside the pipe or at joints, so it isn’t sufficient by itself. Dye testing is useful for locating specific cross-connections or tracing flows in some situations, but it doesn’t reliably confirm the overall leak-tightness of a new sewer line. Video inspection shows interior Condition after installation but doesn’t measure leakage; it’s typically used to assess surface condition and alignment rather than to certify the pipe for service.