US20240110370A1 - Test plug for a plumbing system - Google Patents
Test plug for a plumbing system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20240110370A1 US20240110370A1 US18/479,632 US202318479632A US2024110370A1 US 20240110370 A1 US20240110370 A1 US 20240110370A1 US 202318479632 A US202318479632 A US 202318479632A US 2024110370 A1 US2024110370 A1 US 2024110370A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fitting
- plug
- strainer
- expandable plug
- plumbing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 76
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 title claims description 39
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 63
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010998 test method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002351 wastewater Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/22—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks
- E03C1/23—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/26—Object-catching inserts or similar devices for waste pipes or outlets
- E03C1/264—Separate sieves or similar object-catching inserts
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
- E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
- E03C1/12—Plumbing installations for waste water; Basins or fountains connected thereto; Sinks
- E03C1/22—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks
- E03C1/23—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms
- E03C2001/2313—Outlet devices mounted in basins, baths, or sinks with mechanical closure mechanisms the actuation force being pneumatic or hydraulic
Definitions
- This relates to a test plug for a plumbing system, and in particular, an inflatable test plug or an openable test plug.
- inflatable test plugs may be used to seal the outlet pipe and allow the pipes to be filled with a fluid, such as air or water. After the test, the plug is removed, and the water allowed to drain out of the system.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,337 entitled “Plumbing test plug and method” describes a test plug that is inflated to cut off flow in a water column.
- a plumbing fitting for a drain line of a plumbing system comprising a fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cleanout port in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the fitting body, the fitting body being adapted to connect to the drain line, a cleanout cover that closes the cleanout port, the cleanout cover having a control line aperture, an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein in the expanded state the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal the fluid inlet of the fitting body or the drain line upstream of the fluid inlet, and in the contracted state the expandable plug has a diameter that is less than the expanded state sized to engage the fluid inlet of the fitting body, a control line that extends from the expandable plug to the control line aperture of the cleanout cover such that a working end of the control line is accessible when the cleanout cover closes the cleanout port, wherein actuating the working end of the control line releases the expandable plug, and a strainer body that permits fluid
- the plumbing fitting may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: strainer body may comprise one or more apertures; the strainer body may comprise an outer engagement surface that engages the fluid outlet of the fitting body, and a second end that comprises the one or more apertures; the strainer may comprise a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet; the expandable plug may be inflatable; the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end comprises a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug; and the working end of the control line may extend from the cleanout cover.
- a method of testing a plumbing system having fitting body installed on a drain line, the fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a cavity and a cleanout port comprising the steps of inserting an expandable plug, in a contracted state, into the cavity of the fitting body through the cleanout port, a control line being connected to the expandable plug and having a working end that is accessible when the cleanout port is closed, positioning the expandable plug within the fluid inlet and expanding the expandable plug to such that the expandable plug forms a seal upstream of the cavity, installing a strainer body in the cavity, the strainer body permitting fluid flow therethrough and preventing the expandable plug from passing through the fluid outlet, closing the cleanout port with a cleanout cover, the cleanout cover having a control line aperture through which the working end is accessible, passing a fluid into the drain line upstream of the expandable plug, and manipulating the working end via the control line to cause the expandable plug to contract such that the expandable plug disengages and permits fluid
- the method may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: the strainer body may comprise one or more apertures; the strainer body may comprise an outer engagement surface that engages the fluid outlet, and a second end that comprises the one or more apertures; the strainer may comprise a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet; the expandable plug may be inflatable; wherein the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end may comprise a valve that selectively releases fluid pressure from the expandable plug; and the working end of the control line may extend from the cleanout cover.
- a test kit for a plumbing system for use with an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein, in the expanded state, the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal an upstream end of a plumbing fitting and in the contracted state, the expandable plug is adapted to be installed and removed from the plumbing fitting, the test kit comprising a cover that is adapted to close an access port in the plumbing fitting, the cover having an aperture that is sized to receive a control line at a point between the plug end and the working end such that the working end of the control line is accessible when the cover is installed on the plumbing fitting, and a strainer body that is adapted to be removably installed downstream of the expandable plug and within the plumbing fitting.
- the test kit may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: the test kit may further comprise the expandable plug and/or the control line, the control line having a plug end connected to the expandable plug and the working end that is remote from the plug end; the strainer body may comprise one or more apertures; the strainer body may comprise an outer engagement surface that engages an outlet of a fitting body, and a second end that comprises the one or more apertures; the strainer may comprise a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet; the expandable plug may be inflatable; the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end may comprise a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug; and the working end of the control line may extend from the cover.
- a plumbing fitting comprising a fitting body having an inlet, an outlet, an inner cavity, and an outer surface, a seal body that seals the outlet of the fitting body, the seal body having a flow opening that is selectively closed by a closure member, and an actuator operably connected to the closure member to open the flow opening when actuated, wherein the actuator is accessible from outside the plumbing fitting.
- the plumbing fitting may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: the actuator may comprise a linkage that is controlled by a moveable handle positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the fitting body; the fitting body may comprise a cleanout port, and the actuator may comprise an elongate actuator that extends through an aperture of the cleanout port to engage the closure member; the closure member may be a plug or sheet of material that covers the flow opening, the plug being moved from the flow opening when acted upon by the actuator; the closure member may be secured by adhesive, by friction, or by a frangible connection to the closure member; the actuator may comprise a hinged gate member positioned within the inner cavity of the fitting body, an elongate connector between the closure member and the hinged gate member, and a handle adjacent to the outer surface of the fitting, the handle being operably connected to control a position of the hinged gate member and cause the elongate connector to open the closure member; and the fitting body may be a backwater valve body, and the hinged gate member may be a
- FIG. 1 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting.
- FIG. 2 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 with an inflated test plug.
- FIG. 3 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 1 with a deflated test plug caught by a strainer.
- FIG. 4 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a bottom mounted gate.
- FIG. 5 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 4 with an inflated test plug.
- FIG. 6 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 4 with a 10 deflated test plug caught by a strainer.
- FIG. 7 is an elevated side cross section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 4 with a cover removed.
- FIG. 8 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a top mounted gate valve and a cover removed.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a test kit.
- FIG. 10 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a funnel shaped strainer.
- FIG. 11 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a rectangular strainer.
- FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 11 .
- FIG. 13 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a seal connected to a valve.
- FIG. 14 is an elevated side cross section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 13 with the seal opened.
- FIG. 15 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a seal made from foam.
- FIG. 16 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting of FIG. 15 with the seal opened.
- FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a backwater valve with a handle in a closed position.
- FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a backwater valve with a handle in an open position.
- FIG. 19 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a seal that can be removed from outside of the plumbing fitting.
- Plumbing fitting 10 is designed to be used along a drain line 100 of a plumbing system.
- plumbing fitting 10 has a fitting body 20 that connects to drain line 100 to drain wastewater into a sewer system.
- drain line 100 When testing drain line 100 to identify any leaks, the outlet point of the plumbing system is sealed, typically downstream of a backwater valve on the main drain line of the house.
- the backwater valve is a convenient fitting 10 to work with in sealing drain line 100 as it typically includes a cleanout port 30 that provides access to drain line 100 and is often the last fitting in the drain line. In other circumstances, it may be preferable to seal at other locations, and the plugs described herein may be adapted for use with any suitable plumbing fitting.
- a suitable plumbing fitting may have a separate access port in addition to outlet 24 and inlet 26 that provides access to inner cavity 22 , as will be discussed below.
- outlet 24 and inlet 26 that provides access to inner cavity 22 .
- valve body 20 defines a cavity 22 and has a fluid outlet 24 and a fluid inlet 26 that connect to drain line 100 so that fluid flow through cavity 22 .
- drain line 100 and backwater valve 10 are connected such that fluid flows from inlet 26 to outlet 24 , where backwater valve 10 has a gate 12 (shown in FIG. 4 ) that closes if fluid flows in the opposite direction, such as during a backwater event.
- Valve body 20 has a cleanout port 30 with a removable cover 32 that provides access to cavity 22 so that backwater valve 10 can be serviced and maintained.
- Cleanout cover 32 has a control line aperture 34 that provides a path for a control line 42 that extends from outside of valve body 20 to cavity 22 .
- Aperture 34 receives control line 42 to prevent any leakages when cleanout cover 32 is installed.
- an expandable plug 40 is inserted into backwater valve 10 via cleanout port 30 and cavity 22 .
- Expandable plug 40 may expand as pneumatic or liquid pressure is applied via a control line 42 that is connected to expandable plug 40 .
- FIG. 2 once expandable plug 40 is positioned in a desired location, such as at fluid inlet 26 or upstream of in drain line 100 , it is expanded from a contracted state to seal drain line 100 . In the contracted state, expandable plug 40 may be installed and removed.
- a strainer 50 is installed in outlet 24 of valve body 20 . Strainer 50 allows water to flow, the apertures (or other types of openings) are too small to allow plug 40 to pass.
- strainer 50 has a flanged end 52 that engages the inner surface of cavity 22 around outlet 24 .
- Strainer 50 is designed to withstand the amount of pressure that will be applied after plug 40 has been released and is designed to prevent plug 40 from obstructing water flow therethrough.
- expandable plug 40 may be removed by manipulating the working end 44 of control line 42 to release pressure in expandable plug 40 .
- Working end 44 may be a valve or connection point through fluid pressure is applied or released via control line 42 to cause plug 40 20 to expand or contract.
- cleanout cover 32 Prior to releasing expandable plug 40 , cleanout cover 32 should be installed to seal cavity 22 and prevent water from escaping. While cleanout cover 32 is shown as being installed in FIGS. 1 and 2 , it may be preferable to install cover 32 after plug 40 has been expanded to ensure plug 40 has been properly and securely installed, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 .
- backwater valve 10 is designed with a removable top-mounted gate (not shown), that has been removed to facilitate installation of plug 40 in inlet 26 .
- backwater valve has a bottom-mounted gate that may not need to be removed.
- plug 40 may be installed in inlet 26 without removing top mounted valve gate 12 .
- test kit 200 includes plug 40 , cover 32 , strainer 50 , and control line 42 .
- test kit 200 may be provided with only some of these components.
- Test kit 200 may be provided separately from the appropriate plumbing fitting with which it will be used, or as a single package.
- cover 32 may be a separate cover than what would otherwise be provided with the plumbing fitting, such as a stopper in a Y-connector or T-connector, a threaded cleanout cover as shown, or other type of closure.
- cover 32 may be designed to allow control line 42 to be removed and with an aperture that can be sealed after control line 42 has been removed.
- Strainer 50 may also be designed to accommodate different types of fittings. For example, if a shoulder is not present as in the depicted backwater valve 10 , strainer 50 may have a flange that is designed to be installed between fitting or pipe ends at the time the fitting is installed. In that case, strainer 50 may have a tearaway portion that allows some or all of strainer 50 to be removed after the test has been completed. Strainer 50 may be anchored in any suitable way that allows it to be removed after the test has been completed. Examples of other designs for strainer 50 are shown in FIGS. 10 - 11 . In FIG. 10 , strainer 50 is funnel-shaped with a flared end and may distort to be held in place. Once pressure is relieved, strainer 50 is easily removed. In FIGS. 11 and 12 , strainer 50 is rectangular, and held in place by fitting body 20 , which as shown is a t-connector. Strainer 50 is sized sufficiently to prevent plug 40 from passing by.
- FIG. 13 - 19 another test plug is shown involving an openable seal body 60 .
- plumbing fitting is again shown as a backwater valve 10 .
- backwater valve 10 is suitable as it contains valve gate 12 , the position of which is at least partly controlled by an external actuator 62 , such as a handle as shown, that is positioned outside valve body 20 .
- Seal body 60 seals outlet 24 of valve body 20 and has an opening 64 that is selectively closed by a closure member 66 .
- opening 64 is an aperture formed in the end wall 72 of seal body 60
- closure member 66 is a plug that overlies opening 64 .
- Closure member 66 may rely on water pressure during a pressure test to achieve a better seal.
- Seal body 60 and closure member 66 may be shaped to reduce the likelihood that, once opened, closure member 66 will block opening 64 . Rather than a plug that is moved, closure member 66 may be hinged, may twist when an actuating force is applied to cause opening 64 to open, or may be a sticker seal that is removed or perforated when a force is applied.
- Closure member 66 is attached to an elongate member 68 , which may be flexible or rigid, that is attached at the other end to valve gate 12 .
- closure member 66 may be a piece of foam or other resilient material that is pulled from seal body 60 to open opening 64 .
- handle 62 when actuated by handle 62 , valve gate 12 moves toward the closed position and applies a pulling force on elongate member 68 that in turn moves closure member 66 from opening 64 , allowing water to flow.
- handle 62 may be a locking handle that is otherwise used to close and lock valve gate 12 to protect against a backwater event.
- handle 62 is a knob that controls a camming surface 75 that causes valve gate 12 to close and holds it closed.
- FIG. 17 shows handle 62 in a position that allows closure member 66 to remain in the sealed position
- FIG. 18 shows backwater valve 10 with handle 62 rotated, which pulls closure member 66 from the sealed position.
- external actuators 62 may include a handle that is lifted away from valve body 20 , or pressed toward valve body 20 , to cause valve gate 12 to close.
- elongate member 68 need not be controlled via valve gate 12 ; it may be possible to connect elongate member 68 directly to external actuator 62 .
- elongate member 68 may extend out cleanout port 30 , and actuated, such as by being pulled manually. More elaborate designs for opening closure member 66 via elongate member 68 may be used.
- Seal body 60 may be designed such that handle 62 is only required to close valve gate 12 partially, and not to the locked position, to cause closure member 66 to open opening 64 .
- valve gate 12 that is intended for use in a backwater valve may be replaced with another gate that does not seal inlet when closed for the purposes of the pressure test, with the appropriate valve gate 12 installed thereafter. In this way, handle may be fully closed and locked, which will also ensure closure member 66 is held away from opening 64 until the water has fully drained.
- fittings 10 may also be used that have externally accessible handles or actuators and may be purpose-built for testing purposes.
- Seal body 60 may be pre-installed in fitting 10 or may be fit into fitting 10 by the installer prior to performing a water test. If a cleanout port or other opening is unavailable, seal body 60 and the actuator will be installed before fitting 10 is connected to the drainpipes.
- seal body 60 has a mounting flange 70 that engages the inner surface of cavity 22 that surrounds outlet 24 to support seal body 60 .
- Seal body 60 also has end wall 72 that seals across outlet 24 .
- End wall 72 may be coplanar with flange 70 or may be spaced away from flange 70 and connected by a sidewall 74 .
- seal body 60 may be installed in different ways, depending on the style of fitting, and may be installed such that flange 70 is engaged between ends of pipe(s) and/or fitting(s).
- Seal body 60 may have a frangible connection or tearaway strip that allows it to be removed after testing is complete, and the frangible connection or tearaway strip may be part of, or define, the closure member 66 and opening 64 , where the actuating force causes a portion of seal body 60 to tear or break away to allow fluid to flow.
- other means may be provided to cause opening 64 to open, such as a lever that, when actuated, creates a hole in sidewall 74 or remote end 72 of seal body 60 .
- elongate connector may be flexible or rigid.
- seal body 60 may be made from a resilient or deformable material, either entirely or locally, such that seal body 60 is able to deform and engage with body 20 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A plumbing fitting for a drain line of a plumbing system has a fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cleanout port in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the fitting body. A releasable plug is positioned in the plumbing fitting upstream of a strainer body that prevents the releasable plug from passing through the fluid outlet in the released position. The releasable plug may be an expandable plug that is installed upstream of the strainer or may be a closure member that seals the strainer and is removed from the strainer to unseal the drain line. The releasable plug is actuated to a released state from outside the plumbing fitting.
Description
- This relates to a test plug for a plumbing system, and in particular, an inflatable test plug or an openable test plug.
- In order to test for leaks in a plumbing system, inflatable test plugs may be used to seal the outlet pipe and allow the pipes to be filled with a fluid, such as air or water. After the test, the plug is removed, and the water allowed to drain out of the system. U.S. Pat. No. 7,021,337 entitled “Plumbing test plug and method” describes a test plug that is inflated to cut off flow in a water column.
- According to an aspect, there is provided a plumbing fitting for a drain line of a plumbing system, comprising a fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cleanout port in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the fitting body, the fitting body being adapted to connect to the drain line, a cleanout cover that closes the cleanout port, the cleanout cover having a control line aperture, an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein in the expanded state the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal the fluid inlet of the fitting body or the drain line upstream of the fluid inlet, and in the contracted state the expandable plug has a diameter that is less than the expanded state sized to engage the fluid inlet of the fitting body, a control line that extends from the expandable plug to the control line aperture of the cleanout cover such that a working end of the control line is accessible when the cleanout cover closes the cleanout port, wherein actuating the working end of the control line releases the expandable plug, and a strainer body that permits fluid flow therethrough and prevents the expandable plug from passing through the fluid outlet.
- According to other aspect, the plumbing fitting may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: strainer body may comprise one or more apertures; the strainer body may comprise an outer engagement surface that engages the fluid outlet of the fitting body, and a second end that comprises the one or more apertures; the strainer may comprise a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet; the expandable plug may be inflatable; the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end comprises a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug; and the working end of the control line may extend from the cleanout cover.
- According to an aspect, there is provided a method of testing a plumbing system having fitting body installed on a drain line, the fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a cavity and a cleanout port, the method comprising the steps of inserting an expandable plug, in a contracted state, into the cavity of the fitting body through the cleanout port, a control line being connected to the expandable plug and having a working end that is accessible when the cleanout port is closed, positioning the expandable plug within the fluid inlet and expanding the expandable plug to such that the expandable plug forms a seal upstream of the cavity, installing a strainer body in the cavity, the strainer body permitting fluid flow therethrough and preventing the expandable plug from passing through the fluid outlet, closing the cleanout port with a cleanout cover, the cleanout cover having a control line aperture through which the working end is accessible, passing a fluid into the drain line upstream of the expandable plug, and manipulating the working end via the control line to cause the expandable plug to contract such that the expandable plug disengages and permits fluid flow through the cavity, and removing the fluid plug from the cavity via the cleanout port.
- According to other aspects, the method may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: the strainer body may comprise one or more apertures; the strainer body may comprise an outer engagement surface that engages the fluid outlet, and a second end that comprises the one or more apertures; the strainer may comprise a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet; the expandable plug may be inflatable; wherein the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end may comprise a valve that selectively releases fluid pressure from the expandable plug; and the working end of the control line may extend from the cleanout cover.
- According to an aspect, there is provided a test kit for a plumbing system for use with an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein, in the expanded state, the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal an upstream end of a plumbing fitting and in the contracted state, the expandable plug is adapted to be installed and removed from the plumbing fitting, the test kit comprising a cover that is adapted to close an access port in the plumbing fitting, the cover having an aperture that is sized to receive a control line at a point between the plug end and the working end such that the working end of the control line is accessible when the cover is installed on the plumbing fitting, and a strainer body that is adapted to be removably installed downstream of the expandable plug and within the plumbing fitting.
- According to other aspects, the test kit may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: the test kit may further comprise the expandable plug and/or the control line, the control line having a plug end connected to the expandable plug and the working end that is remote from the plug end; the strainer body may comprise one or more apertures; the strainer body may comprise an outer engagement surface that engages an outlet of a fitting body, and a second end that comprises the one or more apertures; the strainer may comprise a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet; the expandable plug may be inflatable; the control line may comprise a fluid line, and the working end may comprise a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug; and the working end of the control line may extend from the cover.
- According to an aspect, there is provided a plumbing fitting, comprising a fitting body having an inlet, an outlet, an inner cavity, and an outer surface, a seal body that seals the outlet of the fitting body, the seal body having a flow opening that is selectively closed by a closure member, and an actuator operably connected to the closure member to open the flow opening when actuated, wherein the actuator is accessible from outside the plumbing fitting.
- According to other aspects, the plumbing fitting may comprise one or more of the following features, alone or in combination: the actuator may comprise a linkage that is controlled by a moveable handle positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the fitting body; the fitting body may comprise a cleanout port, and the actuator may comprise an elongate actuator that extends through an aperture of the cleanout port to engage the closure member; the closure member may be a plug or sheet of material that covers the flow opening, the plug being moved from the flow opening when acted upon by the actuator; the closure member may be secured by adhesive, by friction, or by a frangible connection to the closure member; the actuator may comprise a hinged gate member positioned within the inner cavity of the fitting body, an elongate connector between the closure member and the hinged gate member, and a handle adjacent to the outer surface of the fitting, the handle being operably connected to control a position of the hinged gate member and cause the elongate connector to open the closure member; and the fitting body may be a backwater valve body, and the hinged gate member may be a valve gate that moves between an open position and a closed position in which the valve gate seals the inlet of the backwater valve body, and the handle moves the gate member toward the closed position.
- In other aspects, the features described above may be combined together in any reasonable combination as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.
- These and other features will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be in any way limiting, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting. -
FIG. 2 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 1 with an inflated test plug. -
FIG. 3 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 1 with a deflated test plug caught by a strainer. -
FIG. 4 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a bottom mounted gate. -
FIG. 5 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 4 with an inflated test plug. -
FIG. 6 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 4 with a 10 deflated test plug caught by a strainer. -
FIG. 7 is an elevated side cross section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 4 with a cover removed. -
FIG. 8 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a top mounted gate valve and a cover removed. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a test kit. -
FIG. 10 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a funnel shaped strainer. -
FIG. 11 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a rectangular strainer. -
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 13 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a seal connected to a valve. -
FIG. 14 is an elevated side cross section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 13 with the seal opened. -
FIG. 15 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a seal made from foam. -
FIG. 16 is an elevated side cross-section view of the plumbing fitting ofFIG. 15 with the seal opened. -
FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a backwater valve with a handle in a closed position. -
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of a backwater valve with a handle in an open position. -
FIG. 19 is an elevated side cross section view of a plumbing fitting with a seal that can be removed from outside of the plumbing fitting. - A plumbing fitting, generally identified by
reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference toFIG. 1 through 19 . Plumbing fitting 10 is designed to be used along adrain line 100 of a plumbing system. - In the drawings depicted, plumbing fitting 10 has a
fitting body 20 that connects to drainline 100 to drain wastewater into a sewer system. When testingdrain line 100 to identify any leaks, the outlet point of the plumbing system is sealed, typically downstream of a backwater valve on the main drain line of the house. The backwater valve is aconvenient fitting 10 to work with in sealingdrain line 100 as it typically includes acleanout port 30 that provides access to drainline 100 and is often the last fitting in the drain line. In other circumstances, it may be preferable to seal at other locations, and the plugs described herein may be adapted for use with any suitable plumbing fitting. In the case of aplug 40 andstrainer 50, a suitable plumbing fitting may have a separate access port in addition tooutlet 24 andinlet 26 that provides access toinner cavity 22, as will be discussed below. As such, where the examples discussed below are in terms of abackwater valve 10 that has avalve body 20, it will be understood that that the discussion may be generalized to other suitable fittings. - Referring to
FIG. 1-12 , a first embodiment that involves anexpandable plug 40 and astrainer 50 is depicted. Referring toFIG. 1 ,valve body 20 defines acavity 22 and has afluid outlet 24 and afluid inlet 26 that connect to drainline 100 so that fluid flow throughcavity 22. Typically, during use,drain line 100 andbackwater valve 10 are connected such that fluid flows frominlet 26 tooutlet 24, wherebackwater valve 10 has a gate 12 (shown inFIG. 4 ) that closes if fluid flows in the opposite direction, such as during a backwater event. -
Valve body 20 has acleanout port 30 with aremovable cover 32 that provides access tocavity 22 so thatbackwater valve 10 can be serviced and maintained.Cleanout cover 32 has acontrol line aperture 34 that provides a path for acontrol line 42 that extends from outside ofvalve body 20 tocavity 22. Aperture 34 receivescontrol line 42 to prevent any leakages whencleanout cover 32 is installed. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , anexpandable plug 40 is inserted intobackwater valve 10 viacleanout port 30 andcavity 22.Expandable plug 40 may expand as pneumatic or liquid pressure is applied via acontrol line 42 that is connected toexpandable plug 40. Referring toFIG. 2 , onceexpandable plug 40 is positioned in a desired location, such as atfluid inlet 26 or upstream of indrain line 100, it is expanded from a contracted state to sealdrain line 100. In the contracted state,expandable plug 40 may be installed and removed. In addition to installingplug 40 ininlet 26, astrainer 50 is installed inoutlet 24 ofvalve body 20.Strainer 50 allows water to flow, the apertures (or other types of openings) are too small to allowplug 40 to pass. As shown,strainer 50 has aflanged end 52 that engages the inner surface ofcavity 22 aroundoutlet 24. Strainer 50 is designed to withstand the amount of pressure that will be applied afterplug 40 has been released and is designed to preventplug 40 from obstructing water flow therethrough. - Once
plug 40 andstrainer 50 have been installed, the pressure test may proceed. Once the test is complete,expandable plug 40 may be removed by manipulating the workingend 44 ofcontrol line 42 to release pressure inexpandable plug 40. Workingend 44 may be a valve or connection point through fluid pressure is applied or released viacontrol line 42 to causeplug 40 20 to expand or contract. Prior to releasingexpandable plug 40, cleanout cover 32 should be installed to sealcavity 22 and prevent water from escaping. Whilecleanout cover 32 is shown as being installed inFIGS. 1 and 2 , it may be preferable to installcover 32 afterplug 40 has been expanded to ensureplug 40 has been properly and securely installed, as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8 . When pressure is released fromplug 40, the water pressure will cause plug 40 to move towardoutlet 24 25 and plug 40 will be caught bystrainer 50. Once the water has receded fromvalve body 20,cleanout port 30 may be opened to removeplug 40 andcontrol line 42, and then closed again to allow normal operation to proceed. - In
FIG. 1-3 ,backwater valve 10 is designed with a removable top-mounted gate (not shown), that has been removed to facilitate installation ofplug 40 ininlet 26. InFIG. 4-6 , backwater valve has a bottom-mounted gate that may not need to be removed. Referring toFIG. 8 , plug 40 may be installed ininlet 26 without removing top mountedvalve gate 12. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , atest kit 200 is shown that includesplug 40,cover 32,strainer 50, and controlline 42. Alternatively,test kit 200 may be provided with only some of these components.Test kit 200 may be provided separately from the appropriate plumbing fitting with which it will be used, or as a single package. Similarly, cover 32 may be a separate cover than what would otherwise be provided with the plumbing fitting, such as a stopper in a Y-connector or T-connector, a threaded cleanout cover as shown, or other type of closure. Alternatively, if provided with the fitting, cover 32 may be designed to allowcontrol line 42 to be removed and with an aperture that can be sealed aftercontrol line 42 has been removed. -
Strainer 50 may also be designed to accommodate different types of fittings. For example, if a shoulder is not present as in the depictedbackwater valve 10,strainer 50 may have a flange that is designed to be installed between fitting or pipe ends at the time the fitting is installed. In that case,strainer 50 may have a tearaway portion that allows some or all ofstrainer 50 to be removed after the test has been completed.Strainer 50 may be anchored in any suitable way that allows it to be removed after the test has been completed. Examples of other designs forstrainer 50 are shown inFIGS. 10-11 . InFIG. 10 ,strainer 50 is funnel-shaped with a flared end and may distort to be held in place. Once pressure is relieved,strainer 50 is easily removed. InFIGS. 11 and 12 ,strainer 50 is rectangular, and held in place by fittingbody 20, which as shown is a t-connector.Strainer 50 is sized sufficiently to preventplug 40 from passing by. - Referring to
FIG. 13-19 , another test plug is shown involving anopenable seal body 60. Referring toFIG. 13 , plumbing fitting is again shown as abackwater valve 10. Asseal body 60 is opened based on movement of an internal member,backwater valve 10 is suitable as it containsvalve gate 12, the position of which is at least partly controlled by anexternal actuator 62, such as a handle as shown, that is positioned outsidevalve body 20. -
Seal body 60seals outlet 24 ofvalve body 20 and has anopening 64 that is selectively closed by aclosure member 66. As shown, opening 64 is an aperture formed in theend wall 72 ofseal body 60, whileclosure member 66 is a plug that overliesopening 64.Closure member 66 may rely on water pressure during a pressure test to achieve a better seal.Seal body 60 andclosure member 66 may be shaped to reduce the likelihood that, once opened,closure member 66 will blockopening 64. Rather than a plug that is moved,closure member 66 may be hinged, may twist when an actuating force is applied to causeopening 64 to open, or may be a sticker seal that is removed or perforated when a force is applied. -
Closure member 66 is attached to anelongate member 68, which may be flexible or rigid, that is attached at the other end tovalve gate 12. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16 ,closure member 66 may be a piece of foam or other resilient material that is pulled fromseal body 60 to openopening 64. Referring toFIG. 14 , when actuated byhandle 62,valve gate 12 moves toward the closed position and applies a pulling force onelongate member 68 that in turn movesclosure member 66 from opening 64, allowing water to flow. For example, handle 62 may be a locking handle that is otherwise used to close and lockvalve gate 12 to protect against a backwater event. As shown, handle 62 is a knob that controls acamming surface 75 that causesvalve gate 12 to close and holds it closed.FIG. 17 shows handle 62 in a position that allowsclosure member 66 to remain in the sealed position, whileFIG. 18 showsbackwater valve 10 withhandle 62 rotated, which pullsclosure member 66 from the sealed position. - Other types of
external actuators 62 may include a handle that is lifted away fromvalve body 20, or pressed towardvalve body 20, to causevalve gate 12 to close. In addition,elongate member 68 need not be controlled viavalve gate 12; it may be possible to connectelongate member 68 directly toexternal actuator 62. Alternatively, referring toFIG. 19 ,elongate member 68 may extend outcleanout port 30, and actuated, such as by being pulled manually. More elaborate designs for openingclosure member 66 viaelongate member 68 may be used. -
Seal body 60 may be designed such that handle 62 is only required to closevalve gate 12 partially, and not to the locked position, to causeclosure member 66 to openopening 64. Alternatively,valve gate 12 that is intended for use in a backwater valve may be replaced with another gate that does not seal inlet when closed for the purposes of the pressure test, with theappropriate valve gate 12 installed thereafter. In this way, handle may be fully closed and locked, which will also ensureclosure member 66 is held away from opening 64 until the water has fully drained. -
Other fittings 10 may also be used that have externally accessible handles or actuators and may be purpose-built for testing purposes.Seal body 60 may be pre-installed in fitting 10 or may be fit into fitting 10 by the installer prior to performing a water test. If a cleanout port or other opening is unavailable,seal body 60 and the actuator will be installed before fitting 10 is connected to the drainpipes. - As shown,
seal body 60 has a mountingflange 70 that engages the inner surface ofcavity 22 that surroundsoutlet 24 to supportseal body 60.Seal body 60 also hasend wall 72 that seals acrossoutlet 24.End wall 72 may be coplanar withflange 70 or may be spaced away fromflange 70 and connected by asidewall 74. Similar to the strainer discussed above, sealbody 60 may be installed in different ways, depending on the style of fitting, and may be installed such thatflange 70 is engaged between ends of pipe(s) and/or fitting(s).Seal body 60 may have a frangible connection or tearaway strip that allows it to be removed after testing is complete, and the frangible connection or tearaway strip may be part of, or define, theclosure member 66 andopening 64, where the actuating force causes a portion ofseal body 60 to tear or break away to allow fluid to flow. In other embodiments, other means may be provided to causeopening 64 to open, such as a lever that, when actuated, creates a hole insidewall 74 orremote end 72 ofseal body 60. Furthermore, elongate connector may be flexible or rigid. In cases wherefitting body 20 does not have a sufficient shoulder, or any shoulder, part way or fully aroundoutlet 24,seal body 60 may be made from a resilient or deformable material, either entirely or locally, such thatseal body 60 is able to deform and engage withbody 20. - 25 In this patent document, the word “comprising” is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article “a” does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
- The scope of the following claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples above and in the drawings but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
Claims (23)
1. A plumbing fitting for a drain line of a plumbing system, comprising:
a fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cleanout port in fluid communication with a cavity defined by the fitting body, the fitting body being adapted to connect to the drain line;
a cleanout cover that closes the cleanout port, the cleanout cover having a control line aperture;
an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein:
in the expanded state the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal the fluid inlet of the fitting body or the drain line upstream of the fluid inlet; and
in the contracted state the expandable plug has a diameter that is less than the expanded state sized to engage the fluid inlet of the fitting body;
a control line that extends from the expandable plug to the control line aperture of the cleanout cover such that a working end of the control line is accessible when the cleanout cover closes the cleanout port, wherein actuating the working end of the control line releases the expandable plug; and
a strainer body that permits fluid flow therethrough and prevents the expandable plug from passing through the fluid outlet, the strainer being removably installed in the fitting body downstream of the expandable plug.
2. The plumbing fitting of claim 1 , wherein the strainer body comprises an outer engagement surface that engages the fluid outlet of the fitting body, and a second end that comprises one or more apertures.
3. The plumbing fitting of claim 1 , wherein the strainer comprises a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet.
4. The plumbing fitting of claim 1 , wherein the expandable plug is inflatable.
5. The plumbing fitting of claim 4 , wherein the control line comprises a fluid line, and the working end comprises a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug.
6. A method of testing a plumbing system having fitting body installed on a drain line, the fitting body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a cavity and a cleanout port, the method comprising the steps of:
inserting an expandable plug, in a contracted state, into the cavity of the fitting body through the cleanout port, a control line being connected to the expandable plug and having a working end that is accessible when the cleanout port is closed;
positioning the expandable plug within the fluid inlet and expanding the expandable plug to such that the expandable plug forms a seal upstream of the cavity;
installing a strainer body in the cavity, the strainer body permitting fluid flow therethrough and preventing the expandable plug from passing through the fluid outlet;
closing the cleanout port with a cleanout cover, the cleanout cover having a control line aperture through which the working end is accessible;
passing a fluid into the drain line upstream of the expandable plug; and
manipulating the working end via the control line to cause the expandable plug to contract such that the expandable plug disengages and permits fluid flow through the cavity; and
removing the fluid plug from the cavity via the cleanout port.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the strainer body comprises an outer engagement surface that engages the fluid outlet, and a second end that comprises one or more apertures.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the strainer comprises a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported 30 across the fluid outlet.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the expandable plug is inflatable.
10. The method of claim 6 , wherein the control line comprises a fluid line, and the working end comprises a valve that selectively releases fluid pressure from the expandable plug.
11. A test kit for a plumbing system for use with an expandable plug that has an expanded state and a contracted state, wherein, in the expanded state, the expandable plug is adapted to engage and seal an upstream end of a plumbing fitting and in the contracted state, the expandable plug is adapted to be installed and removed from the plumbing fitting, the test kit comprising:
a control line having a plug end and a working end, the plug end being connected to the expandable plug;
a cover that is adapted to close an access port in the plumbing fitting, the cover having an aperture that is sized to receive the control line at a point between the plug end and the working end such that the working end of the control line is accessible when the cover is installed on the plumbing fitting; and
a strainer body that is adapted to be removably installed downstream of the expandable plug in the plumbing system and within the plumbing fitting.
12. The test kit of claim 11 , further comprising the expandable plug and/or the control line, the control line having a plug end connected to the expandable plug and the working end that is remote from the plug end.
13. The test kit of claim 11 , wherein the strainer body comprises an outer engagement surface that engages an outlet of a fitting body, and a second end that comprises one or more apertures.
14. The test kit of claim 11 , wherein the strainer comprises a plate body having an engagement portion and a strainer portion, the engagement portion being supported within a passage of the plumbing fitting that terminates in a cleanout valve such that the strainer portion is supported across the fluid outlet.
15. The test kit of claim 11 , wherein the expandable plug is inflatable.
16. The test kit of claim 16 , wherein the control line comprises a fluid line, and the working end comprises a valve that selectively releases pneumatic pressure from the expandable plug.
17. A plumbing fitting, comprising:
a fitting body having an inlet, an outlet, an inner cavity, and an outer surface;
a seal body that seals the outlet of the fitting body, the seal body having a flow opening that is selectively closed by a closure member; and
an actuator operably connected to the closure member to open the flow opening when actuated, wherein the actuator is accessible from outside the plumbing fitting.
18. The plumbing fitting of claim 17 , wherein the actuator comprises a linkage that is controlled by a moveable handle positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the fitting body.
19. The plumbing fitting of claim 17 , wherein the fitting body comprises a cleanout port, and the actuator comprises an elongate actuator that extends through an aperture of the cleanout port to engage the closure member.
20. The plumbing fitting of claim 17 , wherein the closure member is a plug or sheet of material 20 that covers the flow opening, the plug being moved from the flow opening when acted upon by the actuator.
21. The plumbing fitting of claim 20 , wherein the closure member is secured by adhesive, by friction, or by a frangible connection to the closure member.
22. The plumbing fitting of claim 17 , wherein the actuator comprises:
a hinged gate member positioned within the inner cavity of the fitting body;
an elongate connector between the closure member and the hinged gate member; and
a handle adjacent to the outer surface of the fitting, the handle being operably connected to control a position of the hinged gate member and cause the elongate connector to open the closure member.
23. The plumbing fitting of claim 22 , wherein:
the fitting body is a backwater valve body, and the hinged gate member is a valve gate that moves between an open position and a closed position in which the valve gate seals the inlet of the backwater valve body; and
the handle moves the gate member toward the closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18/479,632 US20240110370A1 (en) | 2022-10-02 | 2023-10-02 | Test plug for a plumbing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202263412524P | 2022-10-02 | 2022-10-02 | |
US18/479,632 US20240110370A1 (en) | 2022-10-02 | 2023-10-02 | Test plug for a plumbing system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20240110370A1 true US20240110370A1 (en) | 2024-04-04 |
Family
ID=90471575
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US18/479,632 Pending US20240110370A1 (en) | 2022-10-02 | 2023-10-02 | Test plug for a plumbing system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20240110370A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3215010A1 (en) |
-
2023
- 2023-10-02 US US18/479,632 patent/US20240110370A1/en active Pending
- 2023-10-02 CA CA3215010A patent/CA3215010A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3215010A1 (en) | 2024-04-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10329752B2 (en) | Overflow assembly for bathtubs and the like | |
US4936350A (en) | Sewage system isolation valve assembly | |
US6795987B2 (en) | Trap guard device | |
US4542642A (en) | Plug for test tee | |
US5890241A (en) | Method and means for installing overflow outlets to bathtubs and the like | |
US4712575A (en) | Self-draining hose connection vacuum breaker and backflow preventer | |
US7127752B2 (en) | Overflow assembly for bathtubs and the like | |
US8302220B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for assembling and sealing bathtub overflow and waste water ports | |
US5722458A (en) | Valve for clearing air conditioning drain lines | |
US5228471A (en) | Automatic draining back flow preventer | |
US4848155A (en) | Test valve | |
US20240110370A1 (en) | Test plug for a plumbing system | |
US4365365A (en) | Flush valve and means for mounting the same | |
JP3900573B2 (en) | Backflow prevention type water drain valve | |
KR20040025567A (en) | Filler tube mounted fuel tank refueling valve | |
US6276390B1 (en) | Combination air release valve | |
US20080072981A1 (en) | Testing System for Plumbing Leaks | |
JPH043196Y2 (en) | ||
JPH01105092A (en) | Branch pipe working method and branch pipe shielding device | |
JP3090580B2 (en) | Rust prevention method for branch entrance and closing device for rust prevention work | |
WO2023084507A1 (en) | Diaphragm valve incorporating an alarm port | |
JP3806848B2 (en) | Indoor water stop cock for cold districts | |
JP4079477B2 (en) | Branch pipe connection method | |
JP2001336181A (en) | Antifreeze device | |
GB2359123A (en) | Valve with separable actuator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |