One of the most often overlooked requirements for piping installations is the proper leak/pressure testing of the piping BEFORE it is placed into service. The next major issue found, when piping is tested, is the manner in which it was tested. The 2014 and 2016 editions of ASME B31.3 makes it clear that hydrostatic testing is the PREFERRED means, then comes PNEUMATIC testing, and ONLY under certain conditions can we use alternative inspection techniques. In the 2016 edition they provide us with some clear criteria under which we can find Hydrostatic testing and pneumatic testing “impractical”. Here’s what the code says: