We now provide hydro testing for Compressed Air and Co2 cylinders.

If you have been around paintball long enough, sooner or later, you will hear the term “Hydro Test.” A hydrostatic test is a way in which tanks can be tested for strength and leaks. The test involves filling the tank system with a liquid, usually water, which may be dyed to aid in visual leak detection, and pressurization of the tank to the specified test pressure. Pressure testing can be done by shutting off the supply valve and observing whether there is a pressure loss. The location of a leak can be visually identified more easily if the water contains a colorant. Strength is usually tested by measuring the permanent deformation of the container. Hydrostatic testing is the most common method used for testing tanks. Using this test helps maintain the safety standards and the durability of a tank over time. Testing of tanks for the transport and storage of gases is very important because such containers can explode if they fail under pressure.

** The U.S. Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) has regulations that require all cylinders to be retested according to the materials the tank is made of.

If you need your bottle tested, stop by one of the retail locations.

Paintball Gateway - Gardena
16921 S. Western Ave. #112
Gardena, CA. 90247
(310) 323-5196

Paintball Gateway and Airsoft - Garden Grove
13142 W. Garden Grove Blvd. #A
Garden Grove, CA. 92843
(714) 663-8900

• Certification for DOT TANKS: $35.00
• Certification for ISO TANKS: $45.00
• Regulator Rebuild (must be current): $25.00
• Turn-around Time: 7-14 Business Days

Questions & Answers:

How do I know when to hydro-test my tank?
Answer: Come by one of the store locations and an associate will advise you on the status of the bottle.

Do I have to remove my Regulator?
Answer: No, in fact, it is best that you allow us to do the removal. 9 out of 10 Bottles that fail "Hydro", fail due to damaged threads. We see many expensive bottles/regulators arrive that have been damaged by using "vice grips" and "strap wrenches." We at Paintball Gateway have special tools to remove these regulators. Besides, it's only a $10.00 service fee to have it removed and re-installed.

How often do bottles fail hydro?
Answer: Very few fail. 99.9% of the bottles we have tested, passed hydro-testing and the visual inspection. Why?  Because the average paintball player who spends a hundred dollars or more on an HP/Compressed Air Tank takes really good care of them!

My bottle is 2 years "Over Due," Can I get it tested, or should I toss the bottle?
Answer: Don't toss the bottle. If the bottle is "out of hydro." Get it tested and start using it. Remember, fiber-wrapped bottles have a life of 15 years, Steel bottles (3ht) have a 24-year life, and Aluminum (3AL) are usable for as long as they pass hydro and visual!

My Bottle once blew up, can I fix it?
Answer: If your bottle blew up, half the building wouldn't be standing, nor would you or the people around you be alive. What most people consider "blowing up," is actually the HP Burst Disk failing. Those little nuts on the side of the regulator, have a small copper disk that will "fail" before the bottle fails. If you have a full bottle in your house, and the house catches on fire, the air in the bottle will expand, the disk will fail and the bottle will not truly blow up.

What do you do to the bottles that fail?
Answer: We are required by DOT to notify the owner of the problem and to "disable" the bottle so that it will not be used ever again. Usually, a hole is drilled in/through the bottle and the threads are cut!

How long does it take to Test?
Answer: You can usually plan on getting a 1-2 week turnaround or faster. We will send out the tank for testing and contact you within 24 hours of receiving it.

How often do I need to hydro-test the bottle?
Answer: Nowadays, most compressed air tanks have a 5-year date labeled or stamped on the bottle. After certification, you must hydro-test every 3 years from the re-certified date.

** To avoid delays, remove all stickers (including adhesives) and athletic tape on tanks that may hinder the visual inspection of the bottle.  A $15.00 removal fee will be added for this service if not removed.