Common problems:

Normally issues arise when a test is completed to early in the build process. Generally, the nearer the property is to completion, the more likely it is to pass. Below are some of the most common problems found during a test:

• Lack of sealing to penetrations. This includes any pipework penetrating the plasterboard. This applies to walls & ceilings. The same principals apply to pipework penetrating floors. All of these pipes should be sealed using mastic or expanding foam, depending on the size of the gap. 
• Sockets, switches & light fittings not fitted to the wall. These should all be screwed back before testing.
• No Power. Mains 240v electricity MUST be available to power our fan, a generator doesn’t give a steady current producing erratic results. If we arrive on site & find no mains power, we will not be able to complete the test & a fee may occur.
  
• Loft hatch’s not fitted.
• Sanitary ware boxing & waste pipes not sealed properly. Wastepipes should be sealed where penetrating walls, floors & ceilings before boxing is fitted. They then should be tightly packed with insulation. 
• Bottom of skirting board. Due to “dot & dab” being a common plastering technique on new-build houses, leakage is often found from the bottom of skirtings where the dot & dab has been installed / sealed incorrectly. The bottom of the skirting board now either needs to be sealed, or sealing needs to be completed before skirting is fitted.
• Behind kitchen / utility units. Similar to the above, where no skirting board is fitted behind these units, there is a gap between the plaster board & floor. This gap needs to be filled with expanding foam or mastic, depending on the size of the gap. 

To make sure you’re ready to test, download our pre-test check list, allowing you to make sure everything is ready before we arrive on site. If you have any queries regarding preparation, please feel free to contact us.

We can arrange a pre-test site visit if we can tie it in with a local test. But if you have done everything on the checklist this should not be necessary.