This low-pressure air test detects damaged piping or improper jointing by measuring the rate at which air under pressure escapes from an isolated section of sewer.

The rate of air loss will indicate the presence or absence of damaged piping or leaking joints. This test method is not intended to show total system water leakage limits and cannot be used as a quantitative measure of leakage under service conditions for infiltration or exfiltration.

Note 1—A finding of acceptable air loss specified in this test method can be interpreted as an installation acceptance test in lieu of infiltration or exfiltration test.

This test method will ensure the best possible initial condition and quality workmanship of all property-installed sewer pipe.

1.1 This test method provides procedures for testing plastic pipe sewer lines, using low-pressure air to prove the integrity of the installed material and the construction procedures. Two procedures are included to find the rate of air leakage-the constant-pressure method and the time-pressure drop method.

1.2 This test method shall be performed on lines after all connections and service laterals have been plugged and braced adequately to withstand the test pressure. The time between completion of the backfill operation and low-pressure air testing may be specified by the approving authority.

1.3 This test method also may be used as a preliminary test, which enables the installer to show the condition of a buried line prior to final backfill, paving, and other construction activities.

1.4 This test method is applicable to all gravity sewer lines made of thermoplastic pipe, reinforced thermosetting resin (RTRP) pipe, and reinforced plastic mortar (RPM) pipe, defined in Terminology D883, D1600, and F412.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 5.