ASTM D3212 Internal pressure Test Machine Joints for Drain and Sewer Plastic Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals This specification covers joints for plastic pipe systems intended for drain, and gravity sewerage pipe at internal or external pressures less than 25-ft head using flexible watertight elastomeric seals. This specification is intended to cover the test requirements, test methods, and acceptable materials. The test methods described for the joints are not intended to be routine quality control tests but to be reliability or performance requirements.  

The most-used specification to establish “watertight” classification in the gravity sewer pipe industry is ASTM D3212, Standard Specification for Joints for Drain and Sewer Plastic Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals (e.g., 10.8 psi for 10 minutes). When pipe joints are referred to as “watertight,” they’re typically stating the ability to pass a lab test—such as ASTM D3212—but it doesn’t mean the expectation will be the same for miles of installed pipe. Nearly all regulatory agencies recognize this in the gravity-sewer industry and require leak-resistant systems per a specific leakage rate limitation. Common sanitary sewer leakage rates range from 10 to 200 gallons/inch/mile/day, with 150 likely the most common. For storm sewers, either 200 or 300 gallons/inch/mile/day is commonly referenced.

Methods of Testing Joints

There are three primary ways of verifying installed joint integrity:

1. Low-pressure air

2. Hydrostatic exfiltration

ASTM D3212 Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Machine for Drain and Sewer Plastic Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals:

Advanced Hydrostatic Pressure Testing Service Piping System Joints Leak Tightness Tester

ASTM D3212 Vacuum test internal pressure test:  Piping System Joints Leak Tightness Test Drain and Sewer Plastic Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals Tester