ASTM C1214M-19

Standard Test Method for Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure (Vacuum) Test Method (Metric)

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.
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 100 to 900-mm diameter circular concrete pipe sewerlines utilizing gasketed joints.
Note 1: The user of this specification is advised that methods described in this test method 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 SI companion to Test Method C1214.  
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, health, and environmental 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2018
• ICS: 23.040.50 - Pipes and fittings of other materials
• Technical Committee: C13 - Concrete Pipe
• Drafting Committee: C13.09 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1214M-13 - Standard Test Method for Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure (Vacuum) Test Method (Metric)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C822-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C969-17 - Standard Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2017
• Refers: ASTM C822-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM C822-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM C822-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM C969-02(2009) - Standard Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM C822-08b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM C822-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 02-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM C822-06 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2006
• Refers: ASTM C822-05b - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2005
• Refers: ASTM C822-05a - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 15-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM C822-05 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM C822-04 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2004
• Refers: ASTM C822-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003

Overview

ASTM C1214M-19 - Standard Test Method for Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure (Vacuum) Test Method (Metric) specifies procedures for assessing the integrity of installed circular concrete pipe sewerlines using the negative air pressure (vacuum) method. Developed by ASTM International, this standard applies to concrete pipelines with gasketed joints and diameters ranging from 100 mm to 900 mm. The vacuum test is intended to verify both the quality of materials and construction methods after installation and prior to backfill.

While not a routine test, the ASTM C1214M-19 procedure provides valuable information on the condition and leak-tightness of a specific sewerline at the time of testing. This standard not only helps municipalities and contractors ensure compliant sewer infrastructure, but also supports risk mitigation by detecting potential failures or leaks before a system is commissioned.

Key Topics

• Negative Air Pressure (Vacuum) Testing: Guides the removal of air from a plugged segment of sewerline using a vacuum pump, then monitors the rate of vacuum loss to assess acceptability.
• Test Coverage: Focuses on pipelines between 100 mm and 900 mm in diameter, emphasizing gasketed-joint concrete pipes.
• Vacuum Loss Criteria: Sets specific allowable air loss values and minimum test times for each pipe size, as outlined in the standard's tables.
• Safety Measures: Mandates critical safety precautions such as ventilation of structures, continuous air quality monitoring, and restricted access during testing to prevent hazards.
• Preliminary and Segmental Testing: Allows use as a preliminary assessment prior to backfill or delivery, and provides guidance for segmental testing if a failure occurs.

Applications

Quality Assurance for Installed Sewerlines

The ASTM C1214M-19 vacuum test method is widely used by:

• Municipalities and Public Works: As part of quality control protocols for new concrete pipe installations, particularly for stormwater and wastewater management systems.
• Contractors and Installers: To demonstrate compliance with project specifications and regulatory requirements, both before and after backfill.
• Manufacturers: For preliminary leak testing of concrete pipes to ensure product integrity before delivery.
• Engineering Consultants: For assessment of installed sewerline sections during commissioning or rehabilitation projects.

Project Risk Reduction

Applying ASTM C1214M-19 helps reduce the risks of undetected leaks or failures. The vacuum test is especially important where water infiltration or exfiltration could lead to environmental concerns, costly repairs, or service disruptions.

Handling Test Failures

If a pipeline segment fails the vacuum test (i.e., excessive vacuum loss is detected), the standard guides users to perform segmental testing and analysis to localize and remedy leaks. Other acceptance tests, such as water or low-pressure air testing, may also be employed as alternatives or complements.

Related Standards

• ASTM C822: Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products - provides definitions for terms used in this area.
• ASTM C924: Practice for Testing Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines by Low-Pressure Air Test Method (withdrawn), which was previously referenced for air testing procedures.
• ASTM C969: Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines - offers procedures for water-based leak testing.
• ASTM C1214: The inch-pound (imperial) companion of ASTM C1214M, providing a similar methodology in non-metric units.

By following ASTM C1214M-19, stakeholders in concrete pipe infrastructure can achieve reliable, standards-based verification of system integrity, reducing total ownership costs and supporting safe, sustainable utility operations.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: C1214M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure
(Vacuum) Test Method (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1214M; 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers procedures for testing concrete
C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
pipesewerlines,whenusingthenegativeairpressure(vacuum)
Products
test method to demonstrate the integrity of the installed
C969 Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance
material and the construction procedures. This test method
Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
covers testing of 100 to 900-mm diameter circular concrete
pipe sewerlines utilizing gasketed joints.
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—The user of this specification is advised that methods
described in this test method may also be used as a preliminary test to
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsoftermsrelatingtoconcrete
enable the manufacturer or installer to demonstrate the condition of sewer
pipe, see Terminology C822.
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
4. Summary of Test Method
to be increased to allow for the accumulation of leakage when the tested
pipe are incorporated into a continuous pipeline.
4.1 The sewerline to be tested is plugged. Air is removed
NOTE 2—The user of this test method is advised that the negative air
from the plugged line by a vacuum pump or vacuum reservoir.
pressure (vacuum) test criteria presented in this test method are similar to
The amount of vacuum loss is used to determine the accept-
those in general use. The test and criteria have been used widely and
ability of the sewerline.
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 5. Significance and Use
based on successful testing of installed pipelines. However, since air and
5.1 This is not a routine test. The values recorded are
water have different physical properties, retests of some pipelines not
applicable only to the sewer being tested and at the time of
meeting field air tests have been successful when tested with water.
testing.
1.2 This test method is the SI companion to Test Method
C1214.
6. Safety Precautions
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
6.1 Warning—The user of this test method is advised that
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
this test will be dangerous if a line is not prepared properly and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
proper procedures are not followed.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
6.2 Accessmanholesorstructuresmustbeventilatedandair
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
quality continuously monitored.
See Section 6 for specific safety precautions.
6.3 No one shall be allowed in or near the manholes during
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
testing.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
7. Preparation of the Sewerline
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
7.1 Where practical, clean the line prior to testing, wet the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2019. Published January 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C1214M – 13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C1214M-19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1214M − 19
TABLE 1 Minimum Test Time
8.2 Evacuate air until the internal air pressure of the
Nominal Nominal sewerline is lowered by approximately 27.0 kPa of mercury.
T (Time), T (Time),
Pipe Pipe
Close the valve on the vacuum line and shut off the vacuum
min/100 m min/100 m
Size, mm Size, mm
pump.Allow the air pressure to stabilize. (Warning—Mercury
100 0.9 525 9.7
has been designated by EPA and many state agencies as a
150 2.0 600 11.0
200 3.5 675 13.0
hazardous material that can cause central nervous system,
250 4.7 750 15.0
kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be
300 6.0 825 17.0
hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should
375 6.8 900 19.0
450 7.7 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://
TABLE 2 Allowable Air Loss
www.epa.gov/mercury/ faq.htm—for additional information.
Nominal Nominal
Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury
3 3
Pipe Q,m /min Pipe Q,m /min
containing products into your state may be prohibited by state
Size, mm Size, mm
law)
100 0.6 525 0.15
150 0.6 600 0.17
8.3 When the pressure has stabilized and is at or below the
200 0.6 675 0.18
startingtestvacuumof23.6kPaofmercury,commencethetest
250 0.7 750 0.20
300 0.8 825 0.21 by allowing the gage pressure to drop to 23.6 kPa of mercury,
375 0.11 900 0.23
at which point the time recording is initiated. Record the drop
450 0.14
in vacuum for the test period.
8.4 If the drop in vacuum is 6.8 kPa of mercury or less
during the test period, accept the line. If the drop in vacuum is
may pass through the walls of dry pipe. This can be overcome by wetting
more than 6.8 kPa of mercury during the test period, inspect,
the pipe.
...

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: C1214M − 13 C1214M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Concrete Pipe Sewerlines by Negative Air Pressure
(Vacuum) Test Method (Metric)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1214M; 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
100 to 900-mm diameter circular concrete pipe sewerlines utilizing gasketed joints.
NOTE 1—The user of this specification is advised that methods described in this test method 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 SI companion to Test Method C1214.
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
C1214M – 02C1214M – 13.(2009). DOI: 10.1520/C1214M-13.10.1520/C1214M-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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
C1214M − 19
TABLE 1 Minimum Test Time
Nominal Nominal
T (Time), T (Time),
Pipe Pipe
min/100 m min/100 m
Size, mm Size, mm
100 0.9 525 9.7
150 2.0 600 11.0
200 3.5 675 13.0
250 4.7 750 15.0
300 6.0 825 17.0
375 6.8 900 19.0
450 7.7
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 Warning—The user of this test method is advised that this test will 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
23.6 to 16.9 kPa.
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 sewer to the desired
pressure plus the allowable vacuum loss rate:
C 5 0.17D L/T1Q
where:
C = vacuum pump capacity, m /s,
T = required test time, or less,
D = pipe internal diameter, m,
L = length of test section, m, and
Q = allowable vacuum loss rate, m /s.
8.2 Evacuate air until the internal air pressure of the sewerline is lowered by approximately 27.0 kPa of mercury. Close the valve
on the vacuum line and shut off the vacuum pump. Allow the air pressure to stabilize. (Warning—Mercury has been designated
by EPA and many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous sys
...