Residential building drain testing

Hydrostatic testing, clearly explained.

Professional testing and straightforward reporting for homeowners, buyers, sellers, Realtors, and home inspectors throughout Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

Licensed Responsible Master Plumber M-43071
Hydrostatic test being performed at an exterior building drain cleanout
Testing focusedHydrostatic testing and clear reporting
Clear reportingEasy-to-understand documentation
Local serviceCorpus Christi and the Coastal Bend

What to expect

A straightforward test from start to finish.

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Watch the processSee how the building drains are tested, observed at slab level, and documented.
01

Schedule the test

Call or text with the property address and requested date. We coordinate smoothly with buyers, sellers, Realtors, and inspectors.

02

Set up and fill the system

The building drains are accessed through the cleanouts or another suitable access point when necessary. A temporary test ball is inserted through the existing access point, and water is added through the home's plumbing fixtures until it reaches slab level. Walls and floors are not opened to perform the test.

03

Observe the water level

The water level is observed to see whether the building drains hold. A stable level means the system held water; a drop means water is being lost somewhere within it. Once the observation is complete, the water is released and the plumbing system returns to normal use.

04

Document the result

A professional report documents the test location, procedure, and result in clear terms.

Understanding the result

A clear, documented result.

  • Pass: The building drains held water during the test.
  • Fail: The test documented water loss within the building drains.

What the test covers

Focused on the building drains.

The test shows whether the tested building drains hold water. It does not test the water supply lines or the yard line beyond the building, and it is not intended to locate the source of a water-loss result.

Our approach

Specialized testing. Straightforward reporting.

A hydrostatic test is a focused evaluation of the building drains. We perform it carefully, document what was observed, and present the result in clear terms.

The report provides objective information so the parties can decide whether any next step is needed.

Who we serve

Reliable information for an important decision.

Home buyers

Receive clear information about how the building drains performed during the test, bringing added clarity and peace of mind about the home.

Homeowners & sellers

Understand what to expect and feel confident that the home will be treated with care throughout the test.

Realtors & inspectors

Get responsive scheduling and clear reporting for time-sensitive option periods.

Client review

Recommended by a local Realtor.

“I have used Coastal Flow Plumbing on several occasions. They are very thorough, professional, and honest. I highly recommend this company. 10 out of 10!”
Kellye PeñaREALTOR® · Facebook recommendation

Service area

Serving Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend, and surrounding areas.

Corpus Christi · Padre Island · Flour Bluff · Calallen · Portland · Ingleside · Aransas Pass · Port Aransas · Rockport · Sinton · Odem · Robstown · Alice · Kingsville · Riviera

Need service outside these areas? Call or text to ask about availability.

Common questions

Before scheduling your test.

How long will the appointment take?

Appointments are scheduled for one hour, though some may take longer. The appointment will not exceed two hours. If suitable access cannot be found, we pause and explain the available options before proceeding.

Does a hydrostatic test use air pressure?

No. This is a water-level test. No air pressure is introduced into the building drains. Water is added to slab level and observed during the test. Once the observation is complete, the water is released and the plumbing system returns to normal use.

What if the system does not hold?

The report documents the water-loss result. The hydrostatic test does not determine the location of the water loss. If additional information is needed, isolation testing can be performed separately to help narrow down the affected area.

What is the difference between a hydrostatic test and a camera inspection?

A camera inspection and a hydrostatic test answer different questions and work well together. A camera provides a visible view of the portions of the drain it can travel through, helping show the condition inside those areas. It cannot view every part of the plumbing system or confirm that the building drains hold water.

A hydrostatic test determines whether the tested building drains hold water, including connected portions within the test area, but it does not show the visible condition inside the pipes. Neither test by itself is designed to pinpoint the exact source of water loss. One does not replace the other; together, they provide a more complete understanding of the building drains.

How can a seller prepare, and how do you access the drains?

If you know where the cleanouts are located, having them visible and accessible before the appointment helps the test go smoothly. They may be beneath planters, landscaping, bricks, or pavers.

If cleanouts are not readily visible, and the plumbing system allows, we may use a drain camera as a courtesy for a practical amount of time to help locate them. This is not a full camera inspection. If suitable access cannot be found, we pause and explain the available options before proceeding.

Is a report provided?

Yes. After payment, a professional report documenting the test procedure and result is provided to the person who ordered the test.

Ready to schedule?

Get a clear answer about the building drains.

Call or text Coastal Flow Plumbing with the property address and requested date.