I'm looking for ideas on how to pressure test my solar hot water panels. I have 10 panels that need testing. So, I was thinking I'd get some expanding rubber plugs to plug the 1" copper header pipes (non-threaded), and fill them with air and put a pressure gauge on it. The only thing I've really been able to find are some rubber test plugs. The
mcmaster number is 2644K18. They seem to have a bypass tube on them that I can hook up a pressure gauge to and also some form of filling valve. But, they say they aren't rated for air pressure!
A bit more searching shows a plug that can handle 100 psi, but it is a little over $20 per plug. I was hoping to get away for less than that I suppose. It also doesn't have the bypass to add a pressure gauge or filling valve.
So, I'm looking for other ideas.