When you’re building large-scale multi-family housing, you need everything to run like clockwork. System tests and inspections for drainage, waste and venting assure quality and are a critical part of the construction workflow. Having to repeat a test wastes both time and money.
A major mechanical contractor installing plumbing on a new multi-family construction project ran into an issue with test balls not functioning properly during tests. Test balls are inflated within the pipes to stop water flow to test drain, waste and vent systems. The contractor was having difficulty maneuvering the test balls into the proper location within the pipes, causing leaks during the test. The contractor couldn’t afford tests not running properly or a disruption to his schedule. Since he trusted IPS for a suite of products and solutions, he turned to us for help with this issue.
IPS’s Test-Tite® team worked with the contractor’s crews on three job sites to assess the issues firsthand and identify solutions.
A new design was developed for a Test-Tite® test ball, the VIP series™, using a smaller ball diameter and vulcanized rubber to make it both easy to install and durable. Field testing on location with the customer’s crews proved the new design worked exactly as the client had hoped. In addition, a distinct orange handle makes it easy to identify when a VIP series test ball is in use, and the fact that the new product line is competitively priced, well, that always makes customers happy. The new test ball went from prototype to production within a year.
Builders trust best-in-class IPS® products. They also trust IPS teams to deliver solutions that help keep their projects on track. With the development of the Test-Tite® VIP series™, this builder has a solution that fits his need and fits in with a suite of other IPS products being used, which streamlines ordering, delivery and business processes.
Whether test balls or partnerships, fit is everything.
