ASTM D3139-19

Standard Specification for Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the two types of joints, mechanical joint and push-on-joint, required for plastic pipe pressure systems with a wall thickness equal to or greater than that of SDR 64 intended for use in supply and distribution lines for water using flexible elastomeric seals. The joint shall be designed to provide a permanent seal, with surfaces free of imperfections that could adversely affect its performance. Internal hydrostatic pressure and vacuum tests shall be conducted on the assembled joints under standard laboratory temperature and relative humidity conditions. The joint assemblies shall conform to the pressure rating, stiffness, and deflection requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the types of joints required for plastic pipe pressure systems with a wall thickness equal to or greater than that of SDR 64 and intended for use in supply and distribution lines for water, using flexible elastomeric seals. This specification covers the test requirements, test method, and materials. The test methods described are not intended to be routine quality control tests but are to evaluate the performance characteristics of the joint.  
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.  
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains to the test method portion, Section 6, 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.  
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-Oct-2019
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.20 - Joining

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3139-98(2011) - Standard Specification for Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2837-13 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2837-11 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011
• Refers: ASTM F477-10 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
• Effective Date: 15-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D618-08 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM F477-08 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2837-08 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
• Effective Date: 01-May-2008
• Refers: ASTM F477-07 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2007
• Refers: ASTM D618-05 - Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM D2837-04e1 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2837-04 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM D2837-02 - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002
• Refers: ASTM F477-02e1 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
• Effective Date: 10-May-2002
• Refers: ASTM D2837-98a - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001
• Refers: ASTM D2837-01a - Standard Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2001

Overview

ASTM D3139-19: Standard Specification for Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric Seals is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM International. This specification outlines the requirements for mechanical joints and push-on joints used in plastic pressure pipe systems, specifically those with wall thicknesses equal to or greater than SDR 64. The standard is primarily directed at applications in water supply and distribution lines, where permanent and reliable sealing is critical.

ASTM D3139-19 defines materials, test requirements, and methods to ensure that joint assemblies provide leak-free operation and long-term performance. It includes hydrostatic pressure and vacuum testing to verify joint integrity under laboratory conditions.

Key Topics

• Joint Types: The standard covers mechanical joints, which use gasket compression by a mechanical device, and push-on joints, which rely on a continuous elastomeric ring compressed in an annular space for a watertight seal.
• Elastomeric Seals: Specifications for elastomeric gaskets are referenced to ASTM F477, ensuring quality and compatibility for joint performance.
• Material Requirements: All joint components must be free from imperfections and manufactured to ensure homogeneity and consistent physical properties.
• Performance Testing:
  • Hydrostatic Pressure Test: Joints must withstand internal pressure as specified, including short-term rupture pressures, to ensure there is no leakage.
  • Vacuum Test: Joints are also subjected to negative pressure conditions to verify sealing effectiveness.
• Design Considerations: The design must account for deflection, mechanical stability, and seal integrity under operational stresses.
• Lubricant Requirements: Lubricants must be nontoxic, non-deteriorative, and meet potable water standards such as ANSI/NSF 61.

Applications

ASTM D3139-19 is widely used by engineers, manufacturers, and water utilities involved in plastic piping systems for:

• Municipal Water Distribution: Ensures safe, leak-free distribution systems using plastic pressure pipes with flexible elastomeric seals.
• Potable Water Supply Lines: Meets regulatory and safety standards for materials in drinking water systems.
• Irrigation Systems: Used in agricultural and landscaping applications requiring pressure-rated, durable joints.
• Industrial Water Systems: Provides robust jointing solutions for process and utility water networks.

By adhering to this standard, stakeholders gain confidence in joint performance, minimize water loss, and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Related Standards

For implementation and quality assurance, the following standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM D3139-19:

• ASTM F477: Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
• ASTM D618: Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
• ASTM D2837: Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials
• AWWA C651: Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains
• ANSI/NSF 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects

These related standards reinforce performance, safety, and material compatibility across plastic pressure pipe systems utilizing elastomeric seals.

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Keywords: ASTM D3139-19, plastic pressure pipes, flexible elastomeric seals, mechanical joint, push-on joint, water distribution, pipe joint testing, hydrostatic pressure, vacuum test, water supply standards.

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: D3139 −19 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric
Seals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3139; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* for Thermoplastic Pipe Products
F477 Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Join-
1.1 This specification covers the types of joints required for
ing Plastic Pipe
plastic pipe pressure systems with a wall thickness equal to or
2.2 AWWA Standard:
greater than that of SDR 64 and intended for use in supply and
AWWA C651 Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains
distribution lines for water, using flexible elastomeric seals.
This specification covers the test requirements, test method,
2.3 NSF Standard:
and materials. The test methods described are not intended to ANSI/NSF Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water System
be routine quality control tests but are to evaluate the perfor-
Components-Health Effects
mance characteristics of the joint.
3. Terminology
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes,
3.1 Definitions:
and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These
3.1.1 This specification covers two types of mechanical
notesandfootnotes(excludingthoseintablesandfigures)shall
joints based on effecting water tightness through compression
not be considered as requirements of the specification.
of an elastomeric seal or ring:
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains to the test
3.1.2 mechanical joint—a joint in which a positive seal is
method portion, Section 6, of this specification: This standard
achieved when a gasket is compressed by means of a mechani-
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
cal device.
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
3.1.3 push-on-joint—a joint in which a continuous elasto-
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environ-
meric ring gasket is compressed into an annular space formed
mental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
by the pipe or fitting socket and the spigot end of the pipe and
limitations prior to use.
forms a positive seal after being assembled. Details of the joint
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
design and assembly shall be in accordance with the manufac-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
turer’s instructions.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Materials and Manufacture
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 The materials used in elastomeric seals shall meet the
requirements of Specification F477.
2. Referenced Documents
4.2 Lubricant—The lubricant shall be nontoxic and shall
2.1 ASTM Standards:
have no deteriorating effects on the gasket and pipe materials.
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
It shall not impart taste or odor to water in a pipe that has been
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis
flushed in accordance with AWWA C651. When used in a
forThermoplasticPipeMaterialsorPressureDesignBasis
potable water system, the lubricant shall meet the requirements
ofANSI/NSFStandardNo.61.Thelubricantcontainershallbe
This specification is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F17 on Plastic labeled with the manufacturer’s trademark or the pipe manu-
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining.
facturer’s name.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019. Published January 2020. Originally
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D3139 – 98(2011).
DOI: 10.1520/D3139-19.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available fromAmerican Water WorksAssociation (AWWA), 6666 W. Quincy
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Ave., Denver, CO 80235, http://www.awwa.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard‘s Document Summary page on Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd.,Ann
the ASTM website. Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.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
D3139 − 19
5. Performance Requirements 6. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
5.1 The joint shall be designed to provide a permanent seal 6.1 Joint Dimensions and Tolerances—The dimensions of
the bell, socket, and plain end shall be in accordance with the
and shall be qualified in accordance with Section 8.
manufacturer’s standard design dimensions of the joint.
5.1.1 All surfaces of the joint upon or against which the
gasket may bear shall be free of imperfections that could
6.2 Push-On Joint—Theminimumwallthicknessofthebell
adversely affect the performance of the joint.
at any point between the ring groove (annular gasket space)
and the pipe barrel, shall conform to the dimension ratio
5.2 Pressure Rating—Designs not meeting the requirements
requirements for the pipe barrel. The minimum wall thickness
of 6.2 shall be tested to verify that the hydrostatic design basis
in the sealing portion of the ring groove and bell entry sections
category for joint assemblies shall not be lower than the
shallequalorexceedtheminimumwallthicknessrequirements
hydrostatic design basis category for pipe when tested under
of the pipe barrel (see Fig. 1 or Fig. 2).
the same procedure. The hydrostatic design basis for this joint
design shall be established on a representative size at a
6.3 Gasket Dimensions—Gasket dimensions shall be in
minimuim test level of 10 points and 2000 h with data analysis
accordance with the manufacturer’s standard design dimen-
in accordance with Test Method D2837, except that the ends
sionsandtolerances.Thegasketshallbeofsuchsizeandshape
shall be restrained. Test pressure levels (and calculated
as to provide an adequate compressive force against the spigot
stresses) for establishing hydrostatic design basis shall be
and socket aft
...

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: D3139 − 98 (Reapproved 2011) D3139 − 19 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Joints for Plastic Pressure Pipes Using Flexible Elastomeric
Seals
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3139; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers the types of joints required for plastic pipe pressure systems with a wall thickness equal to or
greater than that of SDR 64 and intended for use in supply and distribution lines for water, using flexible elastomeric seals. This
specification covers the test requirements, test method, and materials. The test methods described are not intended to be routine
quality control tests,tests but are to evaluate the performance characteristics of the joint.
1.2 The text of this specification references notes, footnotes, and appendixes which provide explanatory material. These notes
and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the specification.
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains to the test method portion, Section 6, 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
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:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D2837 Test Method for Obtaining Hydrostatic Design Basis for Thermoplastic Pipe Materials or Pressure Design Basis for
Thermoplastic Pipe Products
F477 Specification for Elastomeric Seals (Gaskets) for Joining Plastic Pipe
2.2 AWWA Standard:
AWWA C651 Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains
2.3 NSF Standard:
ANSI/NSF Standard No. 61 for Drinking Water System Components-Health Effects
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 This specification covers two types of mechanical joints based on effecting water tightness through compression of an
elastomeric seal or ring:
3.1.2 mechanical joint—a joint in which a positive seal is achieved when a gasket is compressed by means of a mechanical
device.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.20 on Joining.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2011Nov. 1, 2019. Published November 2011January 2020. Originally approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 20052011
as D3139 – 98(2005).(2011). DOI: 10.1520/D3139-98R11.10.1520/D3139-19.
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.
Available from American Water Works Association (AWWA), 6666 W. Quincy Ave., Denver, CO 80235, http://www.awwa.org.
Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.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
D3139 − 19
3.1.3 push-on-joint—a joint in which a continuous elastomeric ring gasket is compressed into an annular space formed by the
pipe or fitting socket and the spigot end of the pipe,pipe and forms a positive seal after being assembled. Details of the joint design
and assembly shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The materials used in elastomeric seals shall meet the requirements of Specification F477.
4.2 Lubricant—The lubricant shall be nontoxic and shall have no deteriorating effects on the gasket and pipe materials. It shall
not impart taste or odor to water in a pipe that has been flushed in accordance with AWWA C651. When used in a potable water
system, the lubricant shall meet the requirements of ANSI/NSF Standard No. 61. The lubricant container shall be labeled with the
manufacturer’s trademark or the pipe manufacturer’s name.
5. Performance Requirements
5.1 The joint shall be designed to provide a permanent seal and shall be qualified in accordance with Section 8.
5.1.1 All surfaces of the joint upon or against which the gasket may bear shall be free of imperfections that could adversely
affect the performance of the joint.
5.2 Pressure Rating—Designs not meeting the requirements of 6.2 shall be tested to verify that the hydrostatic design basis
category for joint assemblies shall not be lower than the hydrostatic design basis category for pipe when tested under the same
procedure. The hydrostatic design basis for this joint design shall be established on a representative size at a minimuim test level
of 10 points and 2000 h with data analysis in accordance with Test Method D2837, except that the ends shall be restrained. Test
pressure levels (and calculated stresses) for establishing hydrostatic design basis shall be calculated on pipe minimum wall
dimensions.dimensions after dimensioning both the bell and spigot pipe ends.
5.2.1 Joint designs shall require retesting under this section only if the joint design is changed or if the pipe compound is altered
in any manner that produces a lower hydrostatic design basis category when compared with the compound used in the previous
validation testing of the joint design.
5.3 Mechanical Joint—The mechanical joint shall provide a pressure rating equal to or greater than that of the corresponding
pipe.
5.3.1 Internal Stiffener—The pipe spigot shall have a wall thickness sufficient to withstand, without deformation or collapse, the
compressive force exerted when the fitting is tightened. If the wall is not sufficient to withstand the compressive
...