They can hold air but light rain and my 4" and 6" plugs didn't keep water out. I haven't used them to inflate pipe pressure so can't comment on how well they hold pressure. You have a purpose. I bought them as a test for a project and they didn't work well with my application, but that doesn't mean I call them. Overall the product is well made, durable and feels solid They fit snugly and when I checked the cut tube the gasket seemed to be touching all the way in.