Foam bladder tanks must be exposed to a 200 psi hydrostatic test.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only during initial commissioning
• D. It depends on local code

Answer: (B)

Foam bladder tanks are pressure vessels, and hydrostatic testing is meant to verify the tank can handle the pressure it’s designed for in service. There isn’t a universal requirement to test to a fixed 200 psi. The test pressure is set by the tank’s rated working pressure and the applicable standards or manufacturer instructions. In practice, you typically hydrotest at about 1.5 times the design working pressure (or at the value specified by the manufacturer). So if the tank’s design pressure is around 100 psi, the test would be near 150 psi, not automatically 200 psi. Testing to 200 psi when the tank isn’t rated for that could overstress or damage the tank or bladder. Always follow the specific codes and the manufacturer’s guidance for the correct hydrostatic test pressure.