After a pressure drop is detected, what is the first action to take during testing?

When a pressure drop is detected during testing, the first action to take is to locate and repair the leak. This is crucial because the primary concern is ensuring the integrity of the system being tested. A pressure drop often indicates that the system is compromised, which can lead to faulty functioning or safety hazards.

Identifying and addressing the source of the leak should be prioritized to restore the system's operational stability before proceeding with any further actions. This step ensures that any subsequent testing is accurate, as a fixed leak allows for the proper assessment of the system's performance under normal conditions.

Once the leak is located and repaired, other steps such as resetting gauges, documenting findings, or replacing components may be appropriate, but they depend on the integrity of the system being confirmed first.