_a._ First, shut the main valve between the pump and the fire system
lest a sprinkler head be burst, then shut all water outlets nearly, but
not quite tight, so pump will move very slowly. Screw safety valve down
hard. Slowly and carefully admit steam pressure sufficient to give 240
pounds per square inch water pressure.
_b._ With this extreme pressure all joints should remain substantially
tight, and the slow motion of the pump should be tolerably smooth
and uniform. (The leakage of a few drops here and there and a little
unsteadiness of motion are to be expected.)
_c._ If boiler pressure is above 85 pounds, the safety valve on pump
should be attached and screwed down only enough to hold the required
pressure. For with 100 pounds or more of steam the water pressure might
be carried too high.
After completing the above test slack off on safety valve, setting it
so that it will begin to open at about 100 pounds pressure.