This practice describes procedures for handling and installing thermoplastic pipe and corrugated pipe in septic tank leach fields, curtain drains, and from the septic tank to the leach field. Proper installation ensures that the pipe will satisfactorily convey and distribute partially treated waste water to a leaching field for additional treatment and disposal by soil absorption. The curtain or perimeter drain will function to protect the soil absorption capacity of the leach field. Pipe should be stored with support from a flat surface to prevent the pipe from developing a permanent set. Care should be exercised during loading, unloading, and in transit because pipe may be damaged by abrasion and sharp edges. Because thermoplastics are temporarily softened by high temperatures, care should be taken under these conditions to avoid damage during handling operations. Coiled pipe is not recommended for use in leach fields because it is difficult to install at the proper grade and alignment; it is acceptable with special equipment installation. Pipe can reach comparatively high temperatures when exposed to the sun and this reduces the pipe stiffness appreciably. Therefore, precautions must be taken to prevent the impact of sharp or heavy objects, the sudden imposition of heavy overburden or excessive pull on such pipe. The pipe regains full strength and stiffness as the temperature decreases to that of the soil; this will normally require about five minutes. Care in handling and installation should be exercised under low-temperature conditions to avoid damage. As temperatures decrease, some types of pipe tend to become more brittle and less flexible.

1.1 This practice describes procedures for handling and installing thermoplastic pipe and corrugated pipe in septic tank leach fields, curtain drains, and from the septic tank to the leach field. Proper installation ensures that the pipe will satisfactorily convey and distribute partially treated waste water to a leaching field for additional treatment and disposal by soil absorption. The curtain or perimeter drain will function to protect the soil absorption capacity of the leach field.

1.2 To ensure compliance with local regulatory provisions, the local approving authority (local health departments and so forth) should be contacted regarding specific requirements for leach field design materials and installation.

1.3 This practice applies to pipe and fittings made under each of the following ASTM specifications:

1.3.1 For transport from tank to leach field: Specifications D2680, D2729, D2751, D2852, D3034, F405, F758, F789, F810, F891, F892, and F949.

1.3.2 Perforated, for use in leach field or curtain drain: Specifications D2729, D2751, F405, F810, F891, and F892.

1.4 Pipe intended for installation in accordance with this practice should have a minimum pipe stiffness as specified in the appropriate product standard referenced in 1.3.1 or 1.3.2.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 7.