What is the primary method used to check if valves are holding properly?

Conducting a pressure test is the primary method used to check if valves are holding properly because it directly assesses the integrity of the valve and the entire system under controlled conditions. During a pressure test, the system is subjected to a specific pressure for a designated time to determine whether it can maintain that pressure without any noticeable drop. This drop, if present, indicates leaks or failures in the valve or pipes connected to it.

Visual inspections for leaks may provide some indication of valve performance, but they rely on observable evidence rather than a quantitative measurement of pressure integrity. Listening for unusual noises can sometimes signal potential issues, but it does not provide a definitive assessment of the valve's ability to hold pressure. Measuring flow rate variations may indicate problems within the system, but such changes could stem from various sources other than a failing valve, making it a less direct method for evaluating valve performance compared to a pressure test.