Hydrostatic Testing
Sewer Line Testing Know What's Happening Beneath Your Home
Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or you’re preparing to buy one, the sewer lines running beneath your foundation deserve more attention than most homeowners give them. Problems in these systems rarely make themselves known until the damage is already done—and by that point, what could have been a straightforward repair has often become a much larger and more expensive one.
Church Foundation Repair recommends proactive sewer line testing for every homeowner. It’s one of the most practical steps you can take to protect your property, your investment, and your peace of mind.
What Is Hydrostatic Testing?
A hydrostatic test is the first step in determining whether your under-slab drain lines are holding water the way they should—or leaking somewhere beneath your foundation.
Here’s how the process works: one of our technicians removes a first-floor toilet to access the line and place a monitor to observe the test. The drain line is then sealed off—typically at the cleanout—using an inflatable test ball. Clean water is introduced into the sewer lines and monitored over a period of 20 to 30 minutes.
The result is straightforward: if the water level holds steady, your system has passed. If the water level drops, there is a leak somewhere within the system and further testing is needed to locate it.
How the Testing Process Works
All of our testing packages begin the same way: a technician removes a first-floor toilet to access the line and introduces a monitor into the system. From there, the specific method depends on what we’re looking for and how much information you need.
A hydrostatic test seals the drain line—typically at the cleanout—using an inflatable test ball, then fills the sewer lines with clean water and monitors them for 20 to 30 minutes. If the water level holds, the system passes. If it drops, a leak is present and further testing is needed to find it.
When a leak is confirmed, isolation testing takes over. Our technicians break the system into smaller sections and test each one individually, using test balls to isolate specific areas until every problem location is identified precisely. This goes beyond confirming a leak exists—it tells us exactly where it is.
A camera inspection adds a visual layer to the process, allowing us to see large cracks, separations, or areas where water is collecting inside the lines. It’s a useful tool, though it cannot detect smaller cracks and cannot provide a definitive leak-free certification on its own.
Because every package requires removing at least one toilet, all of our testing services include full toilet resetting upon completion—new wax seals, caps, bolts, and resealing. That’s handled by our team before we leave.
Our Testing Packages
Every Church testing package includes a 6-month estimate guarantee, provided we perform the repair. Here’s a breakdown of what each option covers:
Hydrostatic Test — A straightforward pass/fail evaluation of your under-slab sewer system. Ideal as a starting point for homeowners who want to know whether a leak is present. Does not include drawings or a written report.
Isolation Test — Performed when a hydrostatic test has confirmed a leak. Pinpoints every problem area within the system and includes a leak detection report, a drawn layout of your under-slab drain lines with issue indicators, and a detailed repair proposal.
Camera and Draw — A visual inspection of your under-slab lines using camera technology. Identifies larger cracks, separations, and water-holding areas. Includes a drawn diagram with noted observations. Does not include a leak detection report, as smaller issues may not be visible to the camera.
Complete Testing Package (Residential Stand-Alone Homes Only) — Our most comprehensive option, combining every available method into one thorough evaluation. Includes hydrostatic testing, isolation testing if needed, a full camera inspection of all under-slab drain lines, and a shower pan test where applicable. Comes with a full leak detection report, a complete drain line drawing with issue indicators, and a repair proposal covering everything found.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Our team will help you determine which package makes the most sense for your home and your situation—no pressure, no guesswork. Pricing varies based on the scope of work, and we’ll walk you through every detail before anything is scheduled.
Church Foundation Repair has been doing the right thing since 1990, and that commitment starts with making sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for your home.
Ready to get started?
Your home deserves expert care from the ground up. Schedule your free, no-obligation inspection with Church Foundation Repair and get the honest answers you need from a team you can trust.
Affordable Solutions with Flexible Payment Plans
Don’t put off critical foundation repairs. Our team will help you find the right financing plan through trusted local partners so you can get the work you need, when you need it.
