The Ontario Building Code | Water Tests in Drain, Waste and Vent Systems
7.3.6.4. water Tests in Drain, Waste and vent Systems
(1) Where a water test is made, all joints shall be tested with a water column of not less than 3 m.
(2) In making a water test,
(a) every opening except the highest shall be tightly closed with a testing plug or a test cap, and
(b) the system or the section shall be kept filled with water for 15 min.
In Plain Language
Water tests are one accepted method for testing drain, waste, and vent systems for leaks, filling the piping with water and checking that the water level and pressure hold steady.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.