Designation: F2164 − 13

Standard Practice for

Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) and Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Piping Systems Using
Hydrostatic Pressure1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2164; 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* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This practice provides information on apparatus, safety, 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
pre-test preparation, and procedures for conducting field tests D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
of polyethylene and crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping tics
systems by filling with a liquid and applying pressure to F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
determine if leaks exist in the system. F1417 Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-
1.2 This practice does not address leak testing using a pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
pressurized gas (pneumatic testing). For safety reasons, some 2.2 Other Documents:
manufacturers prohibit or restrict pneumatic pressure testing of PPI TR-4-PPI Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB),
their products. Failure during a pressure leak test can be Pressure Design Bases (PDB) and Minimum Required
explosive, violent, and dangerous, especially if a compressed Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Mate-
gas is used. In a compressed gas test, both the pressure stress rials3
on the system and the energy used to compress the gas are 3. Terminology
released at a failure. Contact component manufacturers for
information about testing with gas under pressure. 3.1 Abbreviations and terms are in accordance with Termi-
nology D1600 and Terminology F412 unless otherwise indi-
1.3 This practice does not apply to leak testing of non- cated.
pressure, gravity-flow, negative pressure (vacuum), or non-
thermoplastic piping systems. For field-testing of plastic grav- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ity flow sewer lines, see Test Method F1417. 3.2.1 authority having jurisdiction, n—the organization,
office, or individual responsible for “approving” equipment
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded and installation, or a procedure.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.2.1.1 Discussion—The term “authority having jurisdic-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only tion” is used in this practice in a broad manner since jurisdic-
and are not considered standard. tions and “approval” agencies vary, as do their responsibilities.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the Where public safety is concerned, the “authority having
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the jurisdiction” may be a federal, state, local, or other regional
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- department or individual such as a Fire Chief, Fire Marshall,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, building
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Additional safety official, or others having statutory authority. For insurance
information is presented in Section 7 and throughout this purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau, or
standard. other insurance company representative may be the “authority

1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Methods. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2013. Published April 2013. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2164–10ε1. DOI: 3
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825,
10.1520/F2164-13. Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 F2164 − 13
having jurisdiction.” In many circumstances, the property 5. Significance and Use
owner or his authorized engineer or agent assumes the role of 5.1 If required by the authority having jurisdiction, hydro-
the “authority having jurisdiction”; at government installations, static pressure leak testing may be conducted to discover and
the commanding officer or departmental official may be the correct leaks or faults in a newly constructed or modified
“authority having jurisdiction.” polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping sys-
3.2.2 approved, vt—acceptable to the authority having ju- tem before placing the system in service. Leakage or faults
risdiction. usually occur at connections, joints, and mechanical seals
3.2.3 pressure piping system, n—a piping system where all where sealing under pressure is required. (Warning—Safety is
components in the system are pressure rated and intended for of paramount importance when conducting hydrostatic pres-
conveying a fluid under continuous internal pressure. (See also sure leak tests because testing under pressure may cause
Terminology F412, pressure pipe and non-pressure pipe.) To sudden violent rupture or failure.)
verify suitability for pressure service, consult the component 5.2 This practice uses a pressurized liquid to test for leaks.
manufacturer. It does not verify if a piping material or a piping system design
NOTE 1—PPI TR-4 provides information about stress ratings for some is suitable for pressure service. The suitability of a piping
plastic materials and products. system for pressure service and its pressure rating or operating
3.2.4 restraint, n—temporary or permanent structural mea- pressure is determined solely by its design and its installed
sures or devices which restrict, guide, prevent, or safely limit components.
disjoining or movement of piping system components while 5.3 Systems that are not suitable for pressure testing should
the system is under pressure during testing or service condi- not be pressure tested. Such systems may contain lower
tions. Restraint may include backfill, anchors, thrust blocks, pressure rated or non-pressure rated components that cannot be
external clamps and tie rods (joint restraints), pipe guides, and isolated from test pressure, or temporary caps or closures may
so forth. Restraint means that if violent separation or failure not be practical. In these systems, leak inspections should be
occurs during the test, any movement of components or parts is conducted during and after installation. Inspections typically
sufficiently constrained such that damage or injury is pre- include visual examination of joint appearance, mechanical
vented. checks of bolt or joint tightness, and other relevant examina-
3.2.5 system design pressure, n—the limiting continuous tions. See also Test Method F1417.
internal pressure specified by the piping system designer. 5.4 Leakage Allowance—There is no leakage allowance for
System design pressure may be less than the pressure ratings of a section of heat-fusion joined polyethylene piping, because
components in the system. System design pressure may be properly made heat fusion joints do not leak. See 7.6.1.
limited by component pressure ratings, by code or application 5.4.1 Other types of joints or connections in the system may
requirements, or by other restrictions. have a leakage allowance. Contact the joint or connection
3.2.6 visible leakage, n—the visible escape (drip, spray, manufacturer for information.
stream, flow, and so forth.) of test liquid from the test section 5.5 Expansion Allowance—When test pressure is applied,
through components, joints, connections, appurtenances, and polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pipe will expand
the like in the test section. slightly due to elasticity and Poisson effects. To compensate for
expansion, make-up water is added during the initial expansion
4. Summary of Practice phase. The amount of make-up water (expansion allowance)
4.1 The section of the piping system to be tested is isolated will vary because expansion is not linear. This procedure
from other parts of the system and restrained against movement compensates for expansion with an initial expansion phase,
to prevent catastrophic failure. Components that are not to be followed by a test phase. In the test phase, expansion is
subjected to test pressure or could be damaged by test pressure suspended by slightly reducing test pressure. See 9.6.
are isolated or removed as necessary. Isolated components are 5.6 Poisson Effect—When test pressure is applied to plastic
vented to atmosphere. The test section is filled with the testing piping systems that have fully restrained joints (joints such as
liquid, raised to the test pressure, and allowed to stabilize. The heat fusion, electrofusion, bolted flanges, and so forth.),
system is inspected or monitored for leakage, and then test diametrical expansion of the pipe may reduce the overall length
pressure is relieved. If repairs or corrections are necessary, they of the fully restrained section. Poisson-effect length reduction
are performed only when the test section is depressurized. If may affect or cause disjoining in other contiguous sections that
necessary, a retest is performed after a relaxation period. At the have partially restrained or non-restrained joints, such as
conclusion of an acceptable test, the test section may be placed bell-and-spigot joints, when such joints are in-line with the test
in service. Purging and disposal of the test liquid from the test section. To prevent Poisson-effect disjoining, take measures
section may be necessary. such as the installation of external joint restraints (diametrical
4.2 Acceptance is determined by the approval of the author- clamps and tie-rods) on in-line non-restrained joints, installing
ity having jurisdiction. in-line thrust anchors at the ends of the fully restrained section,
or isolating the fully restrained test section from piping with
4.3 The authority having jurisdiction may specify proce-
non-restrained or partially restrained joints.
dures or requirements for test liquid disposal or erosion
control. NOTE 2—When a tensile stress is applied to a material, it will elongate

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in the direction of the applied stress, and will decrease in dimension at regulating equipment should be capable of maintaining test
right angles to the direction of the applied stress. The ratio of decrease to pressure for the duration of the test.
elongation is the Poisson ratio. Under test pressure, piping materials will
expand slightly in diameter and contract in length slightly according to the 6.3.1 Filling equipment and pressurizing equipment do not
Poisson ratio of the material. need to be the same equipment.
6.4 Pressure Monitoring—Use at least one calibrated pres-
6. Apparatus and Equipment for Hydrostatic Procedures sure gage or sensor accurate to within two percent (2 %) of full
6.1 General—Components such as caps, valves, blind scale. It is preferred that the gage or sensor full scale value not
flanges, manual or automatic air release devices, vents, and be more than twice the test pressure, and that scale graduations
other devices that are used to isolate the test section from other be no greater than two percent (2 %) of the full scale value.
parts of the system, to purge air from the system, and to isolate Using a valved tee, a gage cock for bleeding, a pressure
components that are not to be subjected to test pressure are snubber, and a duplicate, back-up pressure gage are recom-
generally needed. mended. A continuous pressure-recording device may be re-
6.1.1 Test section isolation and closure components are to quired.
be rated for pressures equal to or greater than the test pressure 6.4.1 Locate the test pressure gage or sensor to monitor test
applied to the test section. pressure at the lowest point in the test section. Pressure may be
6.1.2 Although section isolation and closure components monitored at other points in the test section as well.
may only be connected to the test section for the duration of the
test, the joint between the test section and a closure or isolation NOTE 3—Test pressure is a combination of pump pressure and the
height (head) of liquid in the pipeline. Therefore, test pressure is always
component should be at least as strong as joints in the test monitored at the lowest elevation point in the section where pressure is
section. Additional restraint may be required. highest. Test pressure will be lower at higher points in the section. If a
6.1.3 Air release devices should be located at all high points minimum test pressure at higher elevations must also be met, select test
along the test section. sections so that the minimum test pressure is met at the higher elevation,
but do not increase test pressure at the lowest point. Excessive test
6.1.4 Excessively worn or deteriorated equipment is unsuit- pressure can cause damage or pipeline failure.
able and is not to be used.
6.5 Other equipment to connect the pump(s) to the test
6.2 Test Liquid—An adequate supply of a safe test liquid, section and the test liquid supply, control the flow of test liquid,
such as water, is necessary. The test liquid should be of power the pump(s), connect the pressure gage(s) or sensor(s) to
appropriate safety and quality so that the environment, system, the test section, monitor pressure, and drain or purge the test
test equipment, and disposal (if necessary) are not adversely liquid from the test section may also be necessary.
affected.
6.2.1 Where an existing water supply is used to supply test
7. Specific Safety Precautions
water, protect the existing water supply from backflow con-
tamination in accordance with local codes or as required by the 7.1 This specific safety information is in addition to the
authority having jurisdiction. Remove backflow protection and safety information in other sections of this practice.
isolate the test section from the existing water supply before 7.2 Always take precautions to eliminate hazards to persons
testing. near lines being tested. For the entire duration of the procedure,
6.2.2 Excluding retesting (if necessary), the quantity of including filling, initial pressurization, time at test pressure,
liquid needed to fill the internal volume of the pipe test section and depressurization, only persons conducting the test or
and accommodate test section expansion and possible leakage inspecting the system being tested should be allowed near the
at non-fusion joints and seals is estimated using: section under test. These persons should be fully informed of
V gal 5 1.015 3 0.04 3 ~ IDin.! 2 3 L ft (1) the hazards of field pressure testing. All other persons should
be kept a safe distance away.
V m 3 5 1.015 3 0.785 3 1026 3 ~ IDmm! 2 3 L m
7.3 The test section is to be supervised at all times during
where: pressure testing.
Vgal = pipe section volume, U.S. gal,
7.4 Failure may result in sudden, violent, uncontrolled, and
IDin. = pipe inside diameter, in.,
Lft = test section length, ft, dangerous movement of system piping, or components, or parts
V m3 = pipe section volume, m3, of components.
IDmm = pipe inside diameter, mm, and 7.5 Restraint Against Movement—Take measures to ensure
Lm = test section length, m. that all parts of the section under test are restrained against
6.3 Filling and Pressurizing Equipment—Liquid filling and movement if failure occurs. Such measures may include
pressurizing equipment such as pumps, and pressure regulating backfilling, anchoring, or other appropriate means.
devices will usually be necessary. Filling equipment should be 7.5.1 Partial Backfilling During Testing—When under-
capable of filling the test section in a reasonable time against ground connections, joints, and seals are to be exposed for
any elevation head pressure that may be present. Pressurizing observation during the test, use sufficient backfill material
equipment should be able to maintain the necessary test placed between the joints, and over the pipe to prevent
pressure in the test section and provide sufficient quantities of movement, giving due consideration to restraining thrust
make-up test liquid for the duration of the test. Pressure forces. In particular, pipes connected to restrained joints that

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derive their stability from the interaction of the pipe and soil as lower pressure-rated compression couplings or flanges with lower
are to be backfilled prior to testing. pressure-rated back-up rings.

7.6 Leakage usually occurs at a connection, joint, or seal in 8.4.3 Do not use higher test pressure even though some
the system. Depending upon the type of connection, joint, or components in the test section may have a higher pressure
seal, leakage may be seepage, spray, or a stream of internal test rating.
liquid. 8.4.4 To determine the maximum test pressure at elevated
7.6.1 When properly made, heat fusion joints in polyethyl- temperature, apply an elevated temperature system design
ene pipe are as strong as the pipe and do not leak. Leakage at pressure reduction per 8.3.
a fusion joint indicates a faulty joint that may rupture com- 8.5 Test Duration—Test duration is limited for safety rea-
pletely at any time. If leakage is observed at a fusion joint, sons and to prevent damage to the system. Per 7.2 and 7.3,
move away immediately, and depressurize the test section. access to systems under test is controlled for the duration of the
test.
8. Pre-Test Preparation and Set-Up 8.5.1 When the maximum test pressure is between system
8.1 General: design pressure and 1.5 × the system design pressure or at
1.5 × the system design pressure, total testing time including
8.1.1 Before testing, heat fusion joints are to be completely
the time required to pressurize, stabilize, hold test pressure, and
cooled. Mechanical joints are to be completely assembled with
depressurize should not exceed 8 h.
all necessary seals and all fasteners installed and tightened.
8.5.1.1 If retesting is necessary, the test section should be
8.1.2 Flushing, pigging, or other means of cleaning the
depressurized for 8 h prior to retesting.
system to remove dirt and debris that may damage valves,
8.5.2 When the maximum test pressure is the system design
regulators, and so forth, may be required before testing.
pressure or less, the total test time including time required to
8.1.3 Allow concrete supports and anchors in the test
pressurize, stabilize, hold test pressure, and depressurize
section to cure until they have developed sufficient strength to
should be limited to a practical time period. See 7.2 and 7.3. (A
withstand test pressure thrust forces.
test time of about 72 h or less is suggested.)
8.1.4 Restrain all parts of the test section against movement
8.5.3 Before pressure is applied, examine test equipment
in the event of failure. Temporarily remove, restrain, or isolate
and all connections to and in the test section to ensure that all
expansion joints and expansion compensators before starting.
are in proper operating condition and tightly connected.
8.2 Test Section—Testing may be conducted on the entire 8.5.4 Before pressure is applied, isolated components or
system, or on sections of the system. Test section size is devices are to be vented to atmosphere.
determined by the capacity of the filling and pressurizing 8.5.5 Before pressure is applied, disconnect or isolate and
equipment. It is necessary to fill, pressurize, and test the section vent all low pressure filling lines and other low pressure items.
within the allotted overall time for the test. Equipment that has
inadequate capacity may not be able to complete the test within 9. Hydrostatic Test Procedure
allowable testing time limits. If so, use higher capacity test 9.1 Use appropriate apparatus per Section 6, and water or an
equipment, or test a smaller (shorter) section of the system. appropriate test liquid per 6.2.
8.3 Test Temperature—Polyethylene and crosslinked poly- 9.2 Observe all safety precautions and specific safety pre-
ethylene piping materials are typically pressure rated at 73°F cautions per Section 7.
(23°C). At higher temperatures, reduced pressure ratings and 9.3 Prepare and set-up the test section for hydrostatic
test pressures may be required. Contact pipe, fitting, or pressure leak testing per Section 8.
component manufacturers for assistance with elevated tem-
perature pressure ratings. 9.4 Filling—Fill the test section slowly. Purge all air. Take
all appropriate precautions to ensure that no air is trapped in the
8.4 Maximum Test Pressure—Maximum test pressure is test section. (Warning—Entrapped air can result in an
designated by the authority having jurisdiction in accordance explosive, violent, and dangerous catastrophic failure because
with 8.4.1 – 8.4.4. both the pressure stress on piping and the energy used to
8.4.1 The maximum test pressure for pressure-rated poly- compress the entrapped air are released.)
ethylene or crosslinked polyethylene piping is not to exceed 9.4.1 To allow air to escape from the test section, flow
1.5 × the system design pressure where lower pressure-rated velocities during filling should not exceed the capacities of air
components or devices are not present, or have been removed release devices or other openings used to release entrapped air.
or isolated from the test section. To avoid or limit transient pressure surges, the filling flow
8.4.2 The maximum test pressure is not to exceed the velocity should not exceed the design velocity of the piping
pressure rating of the lowest pressure-rated component in the system.
test section, where lower pressure-rated components or devices
cannot be removed or isolated from the test section. Consult 9.5 Temperature Equalization—Allow the test section and
the component manufacturer for pressure ratings. the test liquid to equalize to a common temperature.
9.6 Pressurizing—Initial Expansion Phase—When the test
NOTE 4—Lower pressure-rated components or devices may include
components or devices such as pipe or fittings made from other plastics or section is completely filled and purged of air, gradually
metals, or appurtenances such as valves, hydrants, regulators, pressure increase pressure in the test section to the required test
relief devices, or the like, or some types of mechanical connections such pressure.

4
 F2164 − 13
9.6.1 If the test pressure cannot be attained, or if it takes an procedures for some post-test procedures such as test liquid
unreasonably long time to reach test pressure, there may be draining and disposal.
faults such as excessive leakage, entrapped air, or open
valving, or the pressurizing equipment may be inadequate for 10. Test Records
the size of the test section. If such faults exist, discontinue 10.1 Information about the leak test may need to be re-
pressurizing, and correct them before continuing. corded if required by the authority having jurisdiction. Docu-
9.6.2 Add make-up water as necessary to maintain maxi- mentation may include the following information:
mum test pressure for 4 h. 10.1.1 The test liquid.
9.7 Test Phase—Reduce test pressure by 10 psi (69.0 kPa) 10.1.1.1 Backflow prevention devices, if used.
and monitor pressure for 1 h. Do not increase pressure or add 10.1.2 The weather conditions and ambient temperature at
make-up water. the site during the test.
9.8 Pass/Fail Criteria—If no visual leakage is observed, 10.1.3 The test pressure.
and pressure during the test phase remains steady (within 5 % 10.1.3.1 The type of test gages in the test section.
of the test phase pressure) for the 1 h test phase period, a 10.1.3.2 The placement of test gages in the test section, such
passing test is indicated. as test gage location distances and elevations from the begin-
ning of the section.
9.9 Retesting—If retesting is necessary, depressurize the test 10.1.3.3 Test gage calibration records.
section per 9.10 and correct any faults or leaks in the test 10.1.3.4 Test pressures recorded during the test.
section. Do not attempt to correct faults or fix leaks while the 10.1.3.5 Any adjustments made to test pressure for elevated
test section is under pressure. temperature.
9.9.1 When maximum test pressure is between system 10.1.4 The test duration.
design pressure and 1.5 × system design pressure or at 1.5 × the 10.1.5 A description of the test section length, elevations,
system design pressure, allow the test section to “relax” for at and site location.
least 8 h before re-pressurizing. After the relaxation period, 10.1.6 A description of the test section components.
repeat the initial expansion and test phases per 9.6 and 9.7. 10.1.7 Description of any leaks or failures and the corrective
9.10 Depressurization—Depressurize the test section by actions taken.
reducing pressure or releasing test liquid at a controlled rate. 10.1.8 The date and time of day of the test.
Sudden depressurization can cause water hammer. 10.1.9 The identification of the party conducting the test.
9.11 After the Test—Remove temporary closure and isola-
tion devices from the test section. Depending upon the 11. Keywords
application, flushing, disinfecting, or draining may be neces- 11.1 crosslinked polyethylene; field leak test; hydrostatic
sary. Regulations and codes may restrict or require specific leak test; leak test; polyethylene pipe

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee F17 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (F2164–10ε1)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Title was revised. (5) 8.3 was revised.

(2) 1.1 was revised. (6) 8.4.1 was revised.
(3) 5.1 was revised. (7) Section 11 was revised.
(4) 5.5 was revised.

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