So I got a couple rooms done and wanted to start laying hardwood but want to pressure test each loop before laying wood. What is the best way to pressure test each loop separately?

Anyone?

There are two methods commonly used. First method is using compressed air with a regulator set at about 30psi. The other method is using water pressure set at 30psi. Air you can hear it if a nail pierced the line, where water you will see it.

Air is the standard and the pressure depends on the manufacturer such as Infloor at 30psi (not common) to Watts at 100psi. The second component is time, again running from 15 minutes to 24 hours. Others prescribe one high pressure for testing and another lower pressure during a cementious pour.

30 is very liberal and just twice the operating pressure, most use more.

Code in NY State required 100 psi for 15 minutes before and after the pour in concrete.

There are probably many ways to do this but here is one. To do the pressure test, assuming you don't have it hooked up to a manifold, make a pressure test kit for the size PEX tubing you are using, out of an NPT T, gas shut off valve, pressure gauge and a snifter valve, with a PEX to Male NPT fitting to connect to the PEX. So you have the connection to the PEX which screws into the gas valve, then connects to the T with a close nipple, the gauge goes in on the side of the T, probably with a reducing bushing, and the snifter valve in the end of the T. Use teflon tape or pipe dope to get an air tight fit.  Plug one end of the PEX loop with a PEX plug, and on the other connect this pressure test contraption with the barbed side of that male NPT to pex connector using whichever PEX crimp ring system you are using. Use a compressor to pressurize the loop to your desired pressure for 15 minutes. Release the pressure, cut the fitting off the PEX, remove the ring and bit of PEX and move on to the next loop, though it might be easier to test all the loops at once, connecting them with a temporary manifold made up of bits of PEX and insert fittings, couplers and Ts as needed.

-Rosalinda

Makes the Ace Hardware man happy anyway.