ASTM C1214-19

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1214 − 13 C1214 − 19
Standard Test Method for
Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure
(Vacuum) Test Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1214; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing concrete pipe sewerlines, when using the negative air pressure (vacuum) test
method to demonstrate the integrity of the installed material and the construction procedures. This test method covers testing of
4 to 36-in. diameter circular concrete pipe sewerlines utilizing gasketed joints.
NOTE 1—The user of this test method is advised that methods described herein may also be used as a preliminary test to enable the manufacturer or
installer to demonstrate the condition of sewer pipe prior to delivery or backfill. Minimum test times presented in Table 1 are for pipelines. Holding times
for testing an individual pipe may have to be increased to allow for the accumulation of leakage when the tested pipe are incorporated into a continuous
pipeline.
NOTE 2—The user of this test method is advised that the negative air pressure (vacuum) test criteria presented in this test method are similar to those
in general use. The test and criteria have been used widely and successfully in testing smaller diameter pipe. Larger pipe will be accepted more
conveniently by visual inspection and individual joint testing.
NOTE 3—Test times tabulated and the rate of air loss in this standard are based on successful testing of installed pipelines. However, since air and water
have different physical properties, retests of some pipelines not meeting field air tests have been successful when tested with water.
1.2 This test method is the inch-pound companion to Test Method C1214M; therefore, no SI equivalents are presented in the
test method.
1.3 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. See Section 6 for specific safety precautions.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
C924 Practice for Testing Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines by Low-Pressure Air Test Method (Withdrawn 2013)
C969 Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to concrete pipe, see Terminology C822.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The sewerline to be tested is plugged. Air is removed from the plugged line by a vacuum pump or vacuum reservoir. The
amount of vacuum loss is used to determine the acceptability of the sewerline.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This is not a routine test. The values recorded are applicable only to the sewer being tested and at the time of testing.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C13 on Concrete Pipe and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C13.09 on Methods of Test.
Current edition approved July 1, 2013Jan. 1, 2019. Published December 2013January 2019. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20092013 as
C1214 – 02 (2009).C1214 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/C1214-13.10.1520/C1214-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1214 − 19
TABLE 1 Minimum Test Time
Nominal Nominal
T (Time), T (Time),
Pipe Pipe
min/100 ft min/100 ft
Size, in. Size, in.
4 0.3 21 3.0
6 0.7 24 3.6
8 1.2 27 4.2
10 1.5 30 4.8
12 1.8 33 5.4
15 2.1 36 6.0
18 2.4
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 Warning—The user of this test method is advised that this test may be dangerous if a line is not prepared properly and
proper procedures are not followed.
6.2 Access manholes or structures must be ventilated and air quality continuously monitored.
6.3 No one shall be allowed in or near the manholes during testing.
7. Preparation of the Sewerline
7.1 Where practical, clean the line prior to testing, wet the pipe surface, and eliminate debris.
NOTE 4—The user of this test method is advised that a wetted exterior pipe surface is desirable and will produce more consistent test results. Air may
pass through the walls of dry pipe. This can be overcome by wetting the pipe. Usually, moisture absorbed from the backfill is sufficient to cope with this
situation. If the problem persists, segmental testing of the line will establish if there is a significant leak.
7.2 Plug all pipe outlets including laterals. Review safety precautions in Section 6.
8. Procedure
8.1 Determine the test time for the sewerline to be tested by using Table 1. Table 1 has been established using the criteria
specified in Table 2 and the formulas contained in the Appendixes. The test time is the time required for the vacuum to drop from
7 to 5 in. of mercury. (Warning—Mercury has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can
cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to
materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website—http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm—for additional information.
Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state may be prohibited by state law.)
NOTE 5—To provide satisfactory test results, the vacuum pump shall be capable of evacuating the sewer test section in the required test time, or less,
as determined by 8.1. The pump capacity required to accomplish the evacuation of the line is equal to the rate necessary to reduce the sew
...