Spill bucket testing.
Hydrostatic testing for single-wall buckets, vacuum testing for dual-wall buckets, under EPA 40 CFR 280.35. The PEI RP1200 procedure on every fill point.
Manufacturer-certified · EPA 40 CFR Part 280 · Testing tanks since 1997
Spill containment integrity at every fill port. Single-wall and dual-wall spill bucket configurations.
How we run it.
PTTI uses two methods depending on bucket type. Hydrostatic testing is performed on single-wall spill buckets. Vacuum testing is performed on dual-wall spill buckets.
Hydrostatic, PEI RP1200 section 6.2: fill the bucket with water to within 1.5 inches of the top. Allow the water to settle for 5 minutes. Document the initial water level with a measuring stick. Wait 1 hour. Document the ending water level.
Vacuum, PEI RP1200 section 6.3: seal the bucket with a test cover. Pull vacuum to 30 inches water column. Close the control valve. Wait 1 minute. Record the ending vacuum level. A hydrostatic bucket passes if the water level drops less than 1/8 inch in 1 hour; a vacuum bucket passes if the ending vacuum is 26 inches water column or greater.
- Equipment
- Water. Measuring stick accurate to 1/16 inch. Vacuum test apparatus with a 0 to 50 inch water-column gauge. Plumber’s plug for drain-valve isolation. Stopwatch.
- Frequency
- Triennial cycle in most states, more frequent where a state UST program requires it.
- Deliverable
- An audit-ready spill bucket test record for every fill point, sent after the visit. Hydrostatic testing adds a $15-per-bucket water disposal charge, since the test water cannot go back into the tank and has to be removed. PTTI prepares the record; your operator files it with the state.
What we look for.
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1
Cracks or damage
Visible bucket damage from impact, weathering, or age.
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2
Drain valve leaks
Drain-valve seals worn, or the drain valve not holding.
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3
Water accumulation rate
Standing water in the bucket between visits is a sign the containment is no longer holding.
Frequently asked.
What is the difference between hydrostatic and vacuum spill bucket testing?
Hydrostatic testing is used on single-wall buckets: the bucket is filled with water and the level is measured over an hour. Vacuum testing is used on dual-wall buckets: a vacuum is pulled and held. PTTI selects the method by the bucket configuration present at the site.
How often do spill buckets need testing?
A triennial cycle in most states, more frequent where a state UST program requires it. PTTI tracks the cycle per site so it lands with the rest of the containment-tier testing.
Why is there a water disposal charge on hydrostatic testing?
Hydrostatic testing fills the bucket with water that cannot be drained into the tank. It has to be removed for disposal, which carries a $15-per-bucket charge in PTTI’s pricing.