ASTM F1803-15(2019)

Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride)(PVC) Closed Profile Gravity Pipe and Fittings Based on Controlled Inside Diameter 

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the requirements for poly(vinyl chloride) closed profile gravity sewer pipe and fittings with integral bell and elastomeric seal joints or plain end pipe with couplings based on a controlled inside diameter intended for non-pressure drainage of sewage and surface water. The integral bell gasketed joint, coupling, or fitting joints shall be designed in such a way that when assembled, the gasket (which is attached to either the bell or the spigot) will be compressed radially on the pipe spigot or in the bell to form a water-tight seal. The pipe and fittings shall comply with the following requirements: inside diameter, wall thickness, bell wall thickness, stiffness, flattening, impact strength, low head application of gasket, joint tightness, and resistance of exposed channels to infiltration, exfiltration, and sewer or drainage environments. Acetone immersion and air tests shall be performed to determine the degree of fusion of extruded plastic pipe and the air tightness or the minimum dwell period of the specimen, respectively.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) closed profile sewer pipe and fittings with integral bell and elastomeric seal joints or plain end pipe with couplings in sizes (18 to 60 in.) based on a controlled inside diameter.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 The following safety hazard caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 8, of this specification: 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.
Note 1: Pipe and fittings produced to this specification should be installed in accordance with Practice D2321.  
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-Jul-2019
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.62 - Sewer

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1803-15 - Standard Specification for Poly (Vinyl Chloride)(PVC) Closed Profile Gravity Pipe and Fittings Based on Controlled Inside Diameter 
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2152-23 - Standard Test Method for Adequacy of Fusion of Extruded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Molded Fittings by Acetone Immersion
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D2855-20 - Standard Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Cement) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM F412-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2321-20 - Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and Other Gravity-Flow Applications
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1784-20 - Standard Classification System and Basis for Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2321-18 - Standard Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and Other Gravity-Flow Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D2444-17 - Standard Practice for Determination of the Impact Resistance of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings by Means of a Tup (Falling Weight)
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2152-17 - Standard Test Method for Adequacy of Fusion of Extruded Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Molded Fittings by Acetone Immersion
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM F412-16a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM F412-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016

Overview

ASTM F1803-15(2019) is a widely recognized standard developed by ASTM International, specifying the requirements for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) closed profile gravity sewer pipe and fittings. These products are based on a controlled inside diameter and are designed for non-pressure drainage applications for sewage and surface water transport. Covering pipe sizes from 18 to 60 inches, this standard provides detailed guidance on the manufacturing, installation, and quality assurance of PVC closed profile gravity pipe and fittings, supporting safety, performance, and regulatory compliance across a range of drainage and sewerage projects.

Key Topics

• Product Scope: Applies to PVC closed profile sewer pipe and fittings using integral bell and elastomeric seal joints, or plain end pipes with couplings, specifically designed for gravity flow systems.
• Material Requirements: Specifies use of PVC compounds with a minimum cell classification as defined in ASTM D1784, ensuring durability and chemical resistance.
• Joint Integrity: Outlines criteria for water-tight seals at joints, whether using integral bell gaskets or couplings, essential for preventing infiltration and exfiltration in gravity drainage systems.
• Dimensional Standards:
  • Controlled inside diameters with strict tolerances
  • Minimum wall thickness and bell thickness specifications
• Mechanical Performance:
  • Pipe stiffness, flattening, and impact strength requirements
  • Acetone immersion and air tests for quality assurance
• Workmanship and Marking: Ensures products are free from visible defects and properly marked for traceability and identification.
• Test Methods: Refers to ASTM standards for dimensional checks, impact resistance, fusion quality, and joint tightness, providing a consistent basis for quality control.

Applications

ASTM F1803-15(2019) is especially relevant in civil engineering and municipal infrastructure projects requiring reliable, long-lasting gravity drainage systems. Key applications include:

• Municipal Gravity Sewers: Used extensively in urban sanitation networks for transporting wastewater to treatment plants.
• Surface Water Drainage: Ideal for stormwater management systems, helping prevent flooding with effective gravity flow channels.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Suitable for rehabilitation and replacement of outdated or failing sewer pipelines to modern standards.
• Commercial and Industrial Developments: Employed in large-scale developments where robust and chemically resistant gravity pipe systems are necessary.
• Environmental Compliance: Supports regulatory requirements for preventing contamination from leaks or infiltration.

The standard ensures that piping and fittings possess the necessary mechanical properties and water-tightness for dependable performance in buried installations. Installers and engineers should adhere to installation guidance, such as ASTM Practice D2321, to maximize system life and function.

Related Standards

The following standards are frequently referenced in conjunction with ASTM F1803-15(2019):

• ASTM D1784: Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Compounds
• ASTM F477: Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
• ASTM D3212: Specification for Joints for Drain and Sewer Plastic Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals
• ASTM D2321: Practice for Underground Installation of Thermoplastic Pipe for Sewers and Other Gravity-Flow Applications
• ASTM D2444: Test Method for Determination of the Impact Resistance of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM D2412: Test Method for Determination of External Loading Characteristics of Plastic Pipe by Parallel-Plate Loading

By following ASTM F1803-15(2019) and its related standards, designers, manufacturers, and installers can ensure the reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance of PVC closed profile gravity pipe systems for modern drainage and sewer infrastructure projects.

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:F1803 −15 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Specification for
Poly (Vinyl Chloride)(PVC) Closed Profile Gravity Pipe and
Fittings Based on Controlled Inside Diameter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1803; 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 Compounds and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(CPVC) Compounds
1.1 This specification covers requirements for poly(vinyl
D2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Ther-
chloride) (PVC) closed profile sewer pipe and fittings with
moplastic Pipe and Fittings
integral bell and elastomeric seal joints or plain end pipe with
D2152 Test Method for Adequacy of Fusion of Extruded
couplings in sizes (18 to 60 in.) based on a controlled inside
Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Pipe and Molded Fittings by
diameter.
Acetone Immersion
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
D2321 PracticeforUndergroundInstallationofThermoplas-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
tic Pipe for Sewers and Other Gravity-Flow Applications
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
D2412 Test Method for Determination of External Loading
and are not considered standard.
Characteristics of Plastic Pipe by Parallel-Plate Loading
1.3 The following safety hazard caveat pertains only to the D2444 Practice for Determination of the Impact Resistance
test methods portion, Section 8, of this specification: This
of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings by Means of a Tup
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, (Falling Weight)
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
D2855 Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Ce-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and ment) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and
regulatory limitations prior to use. Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
D3212 Specification for Joints for Drain and Sewer Plastic
NOTE 1—Pipe and fittings produced to this specification should be
Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals
installed in accordance with Practice D2321.
F402 Practice for Safe Handling of Solvent Cements,
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Primers, and Cleaners Used for Joining Thermoplastic
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Pipe and Fittings
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
F477 Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Join-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ing Plastic Pipe
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
F679 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Large-
Diameter Plastic Gravity Sewer Pipe and Fittings
2. Referenced Documents
2.2 Federal Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Fed. Std. No. 123 Marking for Shipment (Civil Agencies)
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
2.3 Military Standard:
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
MIL-STD-129 Marking for Shipment and Storage
tics
D1784 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
nology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with Termi-
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
nologyD1600,unlessotherwisespecified.Theabbreviationfor
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.62 on Sewer.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2019. Published August 2019. Originally poly(vinyl chloride) is PVC.
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F1803 – 15. DOI:
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
10.1520/F1803-15R19.
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 DLA Document Services Building 4/D 700 Robbins Avenue Philadelphia, PA
the ASTM website. 19111-5094 http://quicksearch.dla.mil/
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1803−15 (2019)
3.2.1 closed profile (CP) gravity sewer pipe, n—a pipe 6.3 The joint shall be designed to avoid displacement of the
product consisting of an essentially smooth waterway braced gasket when assembled in accordance with the manufacturer’s
circumferentially or spirally with projections or ribs that are recommendation.
joined by an essentially smooth outer wall (see Fig. 1).
6.4 The assembly of joints shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The requirements of this specification are intended to
7. Requirements
provide pipe and fittings suitable for nonpressure drainage of
7.1 Workmanship—The pipe and fittings shall be essentially
sewage and surface water.
uniform in color, opacity, density, and other properties. The
NOTE 2—Industrial waste disposal lines should be installed only with
inside and outside surfaces shall be semimatte or glossy in
the specific approval of the governing code authority since chemicals not
appearance and free of chalking, sticky, or tacky material. The
commonly found in drains and sewers and temperatures in excess of
surfaces shall be free of excess bloom; that is, slight bloom is
140°F may be encountered.
acceptable. The pipe walls shall be free of cracks, holes,
blisters, voids, foreign inclusions, or other defects that are
5. Material
visible to the naked eye and that may affect the wall integrity.
5.1 Basic Materials—The pipe and fittings shall be made of
Bloom or chalking may develop in pipe exposed to direct rays
PVC plastic having a minimum cell classification of 12454 or
of the sun (ultraviolet radiant energy) for extended periods and
12364 as defined in Specification D1784. Homopolymer PVC
consequently these requirements do not apply to pipe after
compounds must meet or exceed the requirements of the above
extended exposure to direct rays of the sun.
listed minimum cell classification number.
7.2 Pipe Fitting Dimensions:
5.2 Rework Material—Clean rework material generated
7.2.1 Diameter—The inside diameter of the pipe shall meet
from the manufacturer’s own pipe or fittings production may
the requirements given in Table 1 when measured in accor-
be used by the same manufacturer provided pipe or fittings
dance with 8.4.1.
produced meet all the requirements of this specification.
7.2.2 Wall Thickness—The minimum wall thickness of the
5.3 Gaskets—Elastomeric gaskets shall comply with the
waterway of pipe and fittings fabricated from pipe sections
requirements described in Specification F477.
shall meet the requirements given in Table 1 when measured in
5.4 Lubricant—The lubricant used for assembly shall be
accordance with 8.4.2. The wall thickness of fittings fabricated
suitable for use with PVC pipe and elastomeric seals for this
from pipes meeting the requirements of Specification F679 are
application and have no detrimental effect on the gasket or on
also satisfactory.
the pipe.
7.2.3 Bell Wall Thickness—In the case of belled pipe and
fittings fabricated from pipe sections, the thickness of the wall
6. Joining Systems
in the bell shall be considered satisfactory if it was formed
6.1 Gasketed Joint—The integral bell gasketed joint,
from pipe meeting the previous requirements. For reducing
coupling, or fitting joints shall be designed so that when
fittings or those with smaller inlets, the minimum wall thick-
assembled, the gasket (which is attached to either the bell or ness for each inlet shall be no less than the minimum wall
the spigot) will be compressed radially on the pipe spigot or in
thickness for that size pipe.
the bell to form a water-tight seal. The joints shall be designed
7.2.4 Fittings:
to comply with and show no sign of leakage when tested in
7.2.4.1 Molded Fittings—Molded fittings conforming to the
accordance with 7.7 when assembled with pipe for which they
requirements of Specification F679 may also be used with
are intended.
profile gravity sewer pipe provided an adapter (when required)
6.2 Couplings shall form a water-tight seal when assembled is used to make the connection. The minimum wall thickness
with plain end pipe and show no sign of leakage when tested of the molded fittings and adapter shall coincide with the
in accordance with 7.7 when assembled with pipe for which values listed in Table 1 of Specification F679. The thickness in
they are intended. the wall of the adapter bell shall be considered satisfactory if
formed from pipe meeting the previous requirements.
NOTE 3—The outside diameters of products manufactured to this
7.2.4.2 Fabricated Fittings—Fabricated fittings shall be
specification are not specified and therefore joint compatibility should be
reviewed.
made from the pipe meeting the requirements of this
specification, or Specification F679. Fabricated fittings with
solvent cement components shall be made in accordance with
Practice D2855 and taking cognizance of Practice F402.
Unreinforced solvent cement mitred joints shall not be used.
Fabricated joints shall be adequately lapped or fusion butt
welded and, when needed, additionally reinforced.
7.3 Pipe Flattening—There shall be no evidence of
splitting, cracking, breaking, or separation of ribs or seams
FIG. 1Typical Closed Profile (CP) (A) Waterway minimum wall
(B) Average inside diameter when pipe is tested in accordance with 8.5.
F1803−15 (2019)
TABLE 1 Pipe Dimensions and Stiffness
Nominal Minimum Inside Tolerance on Minimum Pipe Waterway Minimum
A
Pipe Size, Diameter, Inside Diameter, Stiffness Series 46, Wall Series 46,
in. in. (mm) in. (mm) lbf/in. (kPa) in. (mm)
18 17.595 (446.91) +0.110 (+2.79) 46 (320) 0.070 (1.78)
21 20.690 (525.53) +0.120 (+3.05) 46 (320) 0.080 (2.03)
24 23.430 (595.12) +0.140 (+3.56) 46 (320) 0.100 (3.54)
27 26.420 (671.01) +0.160 (+4.06) 46 (320) 0.115 (2.92)
30 29.410 (747.01) +0.180 (+4.57) 46 (320) 0.125 (3.18)
33 32.405 (823.09) +0.190 (+4.83) 46 (320) 0.140 (3.56)
36 35.395 (899.03) +0.210 (+5.33) 46 (320) 0.150 (3.81)
39 38.385 (974.98) +0.230 (+5.84) 46 (320) 0.165 (4.19)
42 41.375 (1050.93) +0.250 (+6.35) 46 (320) 0.180 (4.57)
45 44.370 (1127.00) +0.260 (+6.60) 46 (320) 0.195 (4.95)
48 47.360 (1202.94) +0.280 (+7.11) 46 (320) 0.210 (5.33)
54 53.350 (1355.09) +0.300 (+7.62) 46 (320) 0.225 (5.72)
60 59.340 (1507.24) +0.320 (+8.128) 46 (320) 0.240 (6.10)
A
In-plant quality control manufacturing. Base inside diameter calculations should include out-of-roundness as a result of shipping and handling.
7.4 Pipe Impact Strength—The impact strength shall not be
less than the values shown in Table 2 when tested in accor-
dance with 8.6.
NOTE 4—This requirement is intended only for use as a quality control
test, not a simulated service test.
7.5 Pipe Stiffness—Pipe stiffness values for the pipe shall
comply with Table 1 when tested in accordance with 8.7.
7.6 Gaskets—Gaskets shall meet the low head application
requirements of Specification F477 and be molded into a
FIG. 2Shear Deflection Test
circular form or extruded to the proper section and then spliced
into circular form.
7.7 Joint Tightness—All joints shall show no signs of
50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to test.
leakage when tested in accordance with Specification D3212
Conduct tests under the same conditions of temperature and
and Fig. 2.All surfaces of the joint upon which the gasket may
humidity, unless otherwise specified.
bear shall be smooth and free of imperfections, ridges,
8.1.2 Quality Control Testing—Condition specimens for a
fractures, or cracks that could adversely affect sealability.
minimumof4hinairor1hinwaterat73.463°F(23
...