ASTM F2164-21

Standard Practice for Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) and Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Piping Systems Using Hydrostatic Pressure

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 If required by the authority having jurisdiction, hydrostatic pressure leak testing may be conducted to discover and correct leaks or faults in a newly constructed or modified polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping system before placing the system in service. Leakage or faults usually occur at connections, joints, and mechanical seals where sealing under pressure is required. (Warning—Safety is of paramount importance when conducting hydrostatic pressure leak tests because testing under pressure may cause sudden violent rupture or failure.)  
5.2 This practice uses a pressurized liquid to test for leaks. It does not verify if a piping material or a piping system design is suitable for pressure service. The suitability of a piping system for pressure service and its pressure rating or operating pressure is determined solely by its design and its installed components.  
5.3 Systems that are not suitable for pressure testing should not be pressure tested. Such systems may contain lower pressure rated or non-pressure rated components that cannot be isolated from test pressure, or temporary caps or closures may not be practical. In these systems, leak inspections should be conducted during and after installation. Inspections typically include visual examination of joint appearance, mechanical checks of bolt or joint tightness, and other relevant examinations. See also Test Method F1417.  
5.4 Leakage Allowance—There is no leakage allowance for a section of heat-fusion joined polyethylene piping, because properly made heat fusion joints do not leak. See 7.6.1.  
5.4.1 Other types of joints or connections in the system may have a leakage allowance. Contact the joint or connection manufacturer for information.  
5.5 Expansion Allowance—When test pressure is applied, polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pipe will expand slightly due to elasticity and Poisson effects. To compensate for expansion, make-up water is added during the initial expansi...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides information on apparatus, safety, pre-test preparation, and procedures for conducting field tests of polyethylene and crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping systems by filling with a liquid and applying pressure to determine if leaks exist in the system.  
1.2 This practice does not address leak testing using a pressurized gas (pneumatic testing). For safety reasons, some manufacturers prohibit or restrict pneumatic pressure testing of their products. Failure during a pressure leak test can be explosive, violent, and dangerous, especially if a compressed gas is used. In a compressed gas test, both the pressure stress on the system and the energy used to compress the gas are released at a failure. For field leak testing using pressurized gas, see Practice F2786.  
1.3 This practice does not apply to leak testing of non-pressure, gravity-flow, negative pressure (vacuum), or non-thermoplastic piping systems. For field-testing of plastic gravity flow sewer lines, see Test Method F1417.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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. Additional safety information is presented in Section 7 and throughout this standard.  
1.6 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 (TB...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Jun-2021
• ICS: 23.040.20 - Plastics pipes
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.40 - Test Methods

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F412-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F1417-11a(2019) - Standard Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM F1417-11A(2019)e1 - Standard Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• 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
• Refers: ASTM F1417-11a(2015) - Standard Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM F412-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-13 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM F412-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2013
• Refers: ASTM F412-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012

Overview

ASTM F2164-21 is the internationally recognized standard practice issued by ASTM International for field leak testing of polyethylene (PE) and crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pressure piping systems using hydrostatic pressure. This standard provides comprehensive guidance on apparatus, pre-test preparation, safety measures, and detailed procedures for discovering leaks or faults in new or modified pressure piping installations before putting them into service.

Field leak testing with hydrostatic pressure is essential to ensure that piping systems are safe, reliable, and fit for operation, specifically detecting weaknesses at joints, connections, and seals under pressure. This practice is intended solely for hydrostatic (liquid-based) testing methods and specifically excludes pneumatic (gas-based) testing, which is addressed under a separate standard due to safety concerns.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application

  • Applicable to field hydrostatic pressure leak testing of PE and PEX pressure piping systems
  • Does not apply to pneumatic, vacuum, gravity flow, or non-thermoplastic systems
  • Adheres to the requirements set by the authority having jurisdiction

• Preparation and Safety

  • Ensures isolation and restraint of test sections to prevent uncontrolled movement or catastrophic failure
  • Highlights the paramount importance of safety and keeping only qualified personnel in the vicinity during testing
  • Specifies thorough pre-test preparation, including the proper assembly of joints and system cleaning

• Test Procedure

  • Initial filling of the test section with a suitable liquid, purging air to avoid explosive failure
  • Gradual pressurization, accounting for expansion of PE/PEX pipes
  • Monitoring pressure via calibrated gauges, with clear pass/fail criteria based on pressure stability and absence of visible leaks
  • Mandatory documentation and record keeping, including details of the test liquid, pressure levels, test duration, and any repairs

• Leakage and Expansion Allowance

  • No leakage allowance for properly made heat-fusion PE joints; any leak indicates a fault
  • Mechanical or other joints may permit limited leakage, to be confirmed with the manufacturer
  • Expansion and contraction of piping under pressure (Poisson effect) are considered, requiring make-up water during initial pressurization

Applications

ASTM F2164-21 is widely utilized in a variety of industries requiring dependable performance from buried or aboveground PE and PEX pressure piping. Typical applications include:

• Municipal Water Supply and Distribution

  • Testing new installations or modifications to ensure systems are free of leaks prior to service

• Irrigation and Agricultural Systems

  • Verifying the integrity of PE/PEX pipelines under operational pressures in the field

• Industrial Process Piping

  • Safeguarding process fluids and reducing the risk of hazardous leaks

• Commercial and Residential Plumbing

  • Ensuring plumbing systems meet safety and regulatory requirements before commissioning

Employing the procedures outlined in ASTM F2164-21 minimizes the risk of unexpected leaks, system downtime, and costly repairs. It is an essential protocol for contractors, inspectors, and engineers who demand safe, compliant, and reliable PE and PEX piping systems.

Related Standards

• ASTM F2786 - Practice for Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Piping Systems Using Gaseous Testing Media Under Pressure (Pneumatic Leak Testing)
• ASTM F1417 - Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-Pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
• PPI TR-4 - Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Pressure Design Bases (PDB), and Minimum Required Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials
• PPI PEX Pipe Design Manual

These related documents provide additional procedures for pneumatic testing, gravity flow systems, and design guidance for thermoplastic piping, supporting the safe and effective implementation of hydrostatic field leak testing under ASTM F2164-21.

Keywords: hydrostatic pressure, field leak testing, polyethylene pipe, crosslinked polyethylene, PE, PEX, piping systems, ASTM F2164-21, safety, pressure testing, piping 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: F2164 − 21
Standard Practice for
Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) and Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Piping Systems Using
Hydrostatic Pressure
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.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This practice provides information on apparatus, safety,
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
pre-test preparation, and procedures for conducting field tests
of polyethylene and crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping
2. Referenced Documents
systems by filling with a liquid and applying pressure to
2.1 ASTM Standards:
determine if leaks exist in the system.
D1600TerminologyforAbbreviatedTermsRelatingtoPlas-
1.2 This practice does not address leak testing using a
tics
pressurized gas (pneumatic testing). For safety reasons, some
F412Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
manufacturersprohibitorrestrictpneumaticpressuretestingof
F1417Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-
their products. Failure during a pressure leak test can be
pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
explosive, violent, and dangerous, especially if a compressed
F2786Practice for Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE)
gas is used. In a compressed gas test, both the pressure stress
Pressure Piping Systems Using Gaseous Testing Media
on the system and the energy used to compress the gas are
Under Pressure (Pneumatic Leak Testing)
released at a failure. For field leak testing using pressurized
2.2 Other Documents:
gas, see Practice F2786.
PPI TR-4-PPIListing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB),
1.3 This practice does not apply to leak testing of non-
Pressure Design Bases (PDB) and Minimum Required
pressure, gravity-flow, negative pressure (vacuum), or non-
Strength (MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Mate-
thermoplastic piping systems. For field-testing of plastic grav-
rials
ity flow sewer lines, see Test Method F1417.
PPIPEXPipeDesignManual(HDB-Based)ForWater,Oil,
Gas & Industrial Applications (2018).
1.4 Thevaluesstatedininch-poundunitsaretoberegarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3. Terminology
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Abbreviations and terms are in accordance with Termi-
nology D1600 and Terminology F412 unless otherwise indi-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
cated.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.1 authority having jurisdiction, n—the organization,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
office, or individual responsible for “approving” equipment
Additional safety information is presented in Section 7 and
and installation, or a procedure.
throughout this standard.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The term “authority having jurisdic-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
tion” is used in this practice in a broad manner since jurisdic-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tionsand“approval”agenciesvary,asdotheirresponsibilities.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Where public safety is concerned, the “authority having
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 [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Methods. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
CurrenteditionapprovedJuly1,2021.PublishedJuly2021.Originallyapproved the ASTM website.
in2007.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2018asF2164–18.DOI:10.1520/F2164- Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825,
21. 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
F2164 − 21
jurisdiction” may be a federal, state, local, or other regional 4.2 Acceptanceisdeterminedbytheapprovaloftheauthor-
department or individual such as a Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, ity having jurisdiction.
chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department, building
4.3 The authority having jurisdiction may specify proce-
official, or others having statutory authority. For insurance
dures or requirements for test liquid disposal or erosion
purposes,aninsuranceinspectiondepartment,ratingbureau,or
control.
other insurance company representative may be the “authority
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“authorityhavingjurisdiction”;atgovernmentinstallations,
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
wheresealingunderpressureisrequired.(Warning—Safetyis
components in the system are pressure rated and intended for
of paramount importance when conducting hydrostatic pres-
conveyingafluidundercontinuousinternalpressure.(Seealso
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.
Itdoesnotverifyifapipingmaterialorapipingsystemdesign
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,
pressureratedornon-pressureratedcomponentsthatcannotbe
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
occursduringthetest,anymovementofcomponentsorpartsis
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
Systemdesignpressuremaybelessthanthepressureratingsof
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 Othertypesofjointsorconnectionsinthesystemmay
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
the like in the test section. polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pipe will expand
slightlyduetoelasticityandPoissoneffects.Tocompensatefor
4. Summary of Practice expansion,make-upwaterisaddedduringtheinitialexpansion
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
fromotherpartsofthesystemandrestrainedagainstmovement
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
subjectedtotestpressureorcouldbedamagedbytestpressure
suspended by slightly reducing test pressure. See 9.6.
are isolated or removed as necessary. Isolated components are
vented to atmosphere.The test section is filled with the testing 5.6 Poisson Effect—When test pressure is applied to plastic
liquid, raised to the test pressure, and allowed to stabilize.The piping systems that have fully restrained joints (joints such as
system is inspected or monitored for leakage, and then test heat fusion, electrofusion, bolted flanges, and so forth.),
pressureisrelieved.Ifrepairsorcorrectionsarenecessary,they diametricalexpansionofthepipemayreducetheoveralllength
are performed only when the test section is depressurized. If of the fully restrained section. Poisson-effect length reduction
necessary,aretestisperformedafterarelaxationperiod.Atthe mayaffectorcausedisjoininginothercontiguoussectionsthat
conclusionofanacceptabletest,thetestsectionmaybeplaced have partially restrained or non-restrained joints, such as
in service. Purging and disposal of the test liquid from the test bell-and-spigotjoints,whensuchjointsarein-linewiththetest
section may be necessary. section. To prevent Poisson-effect disjoining, take measures
F2164 − 21
such as the installation of external joint restraints (diametrical devices will usually be necessary. Filling equipment should be
clamps and tie-rods) on in-line non-restrained joints, installing capable of filling the test section in a reasonable time against
in-linethrustanchorsattheendsofthefullyrestrainedsection, any elevation head pressure that may be present. Pressurizing
or isolating the fully restrained test section from piping with equipment should be able to maintain the necessary test
non-restrained or partially restrained joints. pressure in the test section and provide sufficient quantities of
make-up test liquid for the duration of the test. Pressure
NOTE 2—When a tensile stress is applied to a material, it will elongate
regulating equipment should be capable of maintaining test
in the direction of the applied stress, and will decrease in dimension at
pressure for the duration of the test.
right angles to the direction of the applied stress. The ratio of decrease to
elongation is the Poisson ratio. Under test pressure, piping materials will
6.3.1 Filling equipment and pressurizing equipment do not
expandslightlyindiameterandcontractinlengthslightlyaccordingtothe
need to be the same equipment.
Poisson ratio of the material.
6.4 Pressure Monitoring—Use at least one calibrated pres-
6. Apparatus and Equipment for Hydrostatic Procedures
suregageorsensoraccuratetowithintwopercent(2%)offull
scale. It is preferred that the gage or sensor full scale value not
6.1 General—Components such as caps, valves, blind
bemorethantwicethetestpressure,andthatscalegraduations
flanges, manual or automatic air release devices, vents, and
be no greater than two percent (2%) of the full scale value.
otherdevicesthatareusedtoisolatethetestsectionfromother
Using a valved tee, a gage cock for bleeding, a pressure
partsofthesystem,topurgeairfromthesystem,andtoisolate
snubber, and a duplicate, back-up pressure gage are recom-
components that are not to be subjected to test pressure are
mended. A continuous pressure-recording device may be re-
generally needed.
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.
pressureatthelowestpointinthetestsection.Pressuremaybe
6.1.2 Although section isolation and closure components monitored at other points in the test section as well.
mayonlybeconnectedtothetestsectionforthedurationofthe
NOTE 3—Test pressure is a combination of pump pressure and the
test,thejointbetweenthetestsectionandaclosureorisolation
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
minimum test pressure at higher elevations must also be met, select test
6.1.3 Airreleasedevicesshouldbelocatedatallhighpoints
sections so that the minimum test pressure is met at the higher elevation,
along the test section.
but do not increase test pressure at the lowest point. Excessive test
6.1.4 Excessivelywornordeterioratedequipmentisunsuit-
pressure can cause damage or pipeline failure.
able a
...

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: F2164 − 18 F2164 − 21
Standard Practice for
Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) and Crosslinked
Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Piping Systems Using
Hydrostatic Pressure
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*
1.1 This practice provides information on apparatus, safety, pre-test preparation, and procedures for conducting field tests of
polyethylene and crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping systems by filling with a liquid and applying pressure to determine if
leaks exist in the system.
1.2 This practice does not address leak testing using a pressurized gas (pneumatic testing). For safety reasons, some manufacturers
prohibit or restrict pneumatic pressure testing of their products. Failure during a pressure leak test can be explosive, violent, and
dangerous, especially if a compressed gas is used. In a compressed gas test, both the pressure stress on the system and the energy
used to compress the gas are released at a failure. For field leak testing using pressurized gas, see Practice F2786.
1.3 This practice does not apply to leak testing of non-pressure, gravity-flow, negative pressure (vacuum), or non-thermoplastic
piping systems. For field-testing of plastic gravity flow sewer lines, see Test Method F1417.
1.4 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.
1.5 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. Additional safety information is presented in Section 7 and throughout this standard.
1.6 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:
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
F1417 Practice for Installation Acceptance of Plastic Non-pressure Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.40 on Test Methods.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2018July 1, 2021. Published August 2018July 2021. Originally approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 20132018 as
F2164–13.–18. DOI: 10.1520/F2164-18.10.1520/F2164-21.
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.
*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
F2164 − 21
F2786 Practice for Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) Pressure Piping Systems Using Gaseous Testing Media Under
Pressure (Pneumatic Leak Testing)
2.2 Other Documents:
PPI TR-4-PPI Listing of Hydrostatic Design Basis (HDB), Pressure Design Bases (PDB) and Minimum Required Strength
(MRS) Ratings for Thermoplastic Piping Materials
PPI PEX Pipe Design Manual (HDB-Based) For Water, Oil, Gas & Industrial Applications (2018).
3. Terminology
3.1 Abbreviations and terms are in accordance with Terminology D1600 and Terminology F412 unless otherwise indicated.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 authority having jurisdiction, n—the organization, office, or individual responsible for “approving” equipment and
installation, or a procedure.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
The term “authority having jurisdiction” is used in this practice in a broad manner since jurisdictions and “approval” agencies vary,
as do their responsibilities. Where public safety is concerned, the “authority having jurisdiction” may be a federal, state, local, or
other regional department or individual such as a Fire Chief, Fire Marshall, chief of a fire prevention bureau, labor department,
building official, or others having statutory authority. For insurance purposes, an insurance inspection department, rating bureau,
or other insurance company representative may be the “authority having jurisdiction.” In many circumstances, the property owner
or his authorized engineer or agent assumes the role of the “authority having jurisdiction”; at government installations, the
commanding officer or departmental official may be the “authority having jurisdiction.”
3.2.2 approved, vt—acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
3.2.3 pressure piping system, n—a piping system where all components in the system are pressure rated and intended for
conveying a fluid under continuous internal pressure. (See also Terminology F412, pressure pipe and non-pressure pipe.) To verify
suitability for pressure service, consult the component manufacturer.
NOTE 1—PPI TR-4 provides information about stress ratings for some plastic materials and products.
3.2.4 restraint, n—temporary or permanent structural measures or devices which restrict, guide, prevent, or safely limit disjoining
or movement of piping system components while the system is under pressure during testing or service conditions. Restraint may
include backfill, anchors, thrust blocks, external clamps and tie rods (joint restraints), pipe guides, and so forth. Restraint means
that if violent separation or failure occurs during the test, any movement of components or parts is sufficiently constrained such
that damage or injury is prevented.
3.2.5 system design pressure, n—the limiting continuous internal pressure specified by the piping system designer. System design
pressure may be less than the pressure ratings of components in the system. System design pressure may be limited by component
pressure ratings, by code or application requirements, or by other restrictions.
3.2.6 visible leakage, n—the visible escape (drip, spray, stream, flow, and so forth.) of test liquid from the test section through
components, joints, connections, appurtenances, and the like in the test section.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The section of the piping system to be tested is isolated from other parts of the system and restrained against movement to
prevent catastrophic failure. Components that are not to be subjected to test pressure or could be damaged by test pressure are
isolated or removed as necessary. Isolated components are vented to atmosphere. The test section is filled with the testing liquid,
raised to the test pressure, and allowed to stabilize. The system is inspected or monitored for leakage, and then test pressure is
relieved. If repairs or corrections are necessary, they are performed only when the test section is depressurized. If necessary, a retest
is performed after a relaxation period. At the conclusion of an acceptable test, the test section may be placed in service. Purging
and disposal of the test liquid from the test section may be necessary.
Available from Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), 105 Decker Court, Suite 825, Irving, TX 75062, http://www.plasticpipe.org.
F2164 − 21
4.2 Acceptance is determined by the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.
4.3 The authority having jurisdiction may specify procedures or requirements for test liquid disposal or erosion control.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 If required by the authority having jurisdiction, hydrostatic pressure leak testing may be conducted to discover and correct
leaks or faults in a newly constructed or modified polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pressure piping system before placing
the system in service. Leakage or faults usually occur at connections, joints, and mechanical seals where sealing under pressure
is required. (Warning—Safety is of paramount importance when conducting hydrostatic pressure leak tests because testing under
pressure may cause sudden violent rupture or failure.)
5.2 This practice uses a pressurized liquid to test for leaks. It does not verify if a piping material or a piping system design is
suitable for pressure service. The suitability of a piping system for pressure service and its pressure rating or operating pressure
is determined solely by its design and its installed components.
5.3 Systems that are not suitable for pressure testing should not be pressure tested. Such systems may contain lower pressure rated
or non-pressure rated components that cannot be isolated from test pressure, or temporary caps or closures may not be practical.
In these systems, leak inspections should be conducted during and after installation. Inspections typically include visual
examination of joint appearance, mechanical checks of bolt or joint tightness, and other relevant examinations. See also Test
Method F1417.
5.4 Leakage Allowance—There is no leakage allowance for a section of heat-fusion joined polyethylene piping, because properly
made heat fusion joints do not leak. See 7.6.1.
5.4.1 Other types of joints or connections in the system may have a leakage allowance. Contact the joint or connection
manufacturer for information.
5.5 Expansion Allowance—When test pressure is applied, polyethylene or crosslinked polyethylene pipe will expand slightly due
to elasticity and Poisson effects. To compensate for expansion, make-up water is added during the initial expansion phase. The
amount of make-up water (expansion allowance) will vary because expansion is not linear. This procedure compensates for
expansion with an initial expansion phase, followed by a test phase. In the test phase, expansion is suspended by slightly reducing
test pressure. See 9.6.
5.6 Poisson Effect—When test pressure is applied to plastic piping systems that have fully restrained joints (joints such as heat
fusion, electrofusion, bolted flanges, and so forth.), diametrical expansion of the pipe may reduce the overall length of the fully
restrained section. Poisson-effect length reduction may affect or cause disjoining in other contiguous sections that have partially
restrained or non-restrained joints, such as bell-and-spigot joints, when such joints are in-line with the test section. To prevent
Poisson-effect disjoining, take measures such as the installation of external joint restraints (diametrical clamps and tie-rods) on
in-line non-restrained joints, installing in-line thrust anchors at the ends of the fully restrained section, or isolating the fully
restrained test section from piping with non-restrained or partially restrained joints.
NOTE 2—When a tensile stress is applied to a material, it will elongate in the direction of the applied stress, and will decrease in dimension at right angles
to the direction of the applied stress. The ratio of decrease to elongation is the Poisson ratio. Under test pressure, piping materials will expand slightly
in diameter and contract in length slightly according to the Poisson ratio of the material.
6. Apparatus and Equipment for Hydrostatic Procedures
6.1 General—Components such as caps, valves, blind flanges, manual or automatic air release devices, vents, and other devices
that are used to isolate the test section from other parts of the system, to purge air from the system, and to isolate components that
are not to be subjected to test pressure are generally needed.
6.1.1 Test section isolation and closure components are to be rated for pressures equal to or greater than the test pressure applied
to the test section.
F2164 − 21
6.1.2 Although section isolation and closure components 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 component should be at least as strong as joints in the test section.
Additional restraint may be required.
6.1.3 Air release devices should be located at all high points along the test section.
6.1.4 Excessively worn or deteriorated equipment is unsuitable and is not to be used.
6.2 Test Liquid—An adequate supply of a safe test liquid, such as water, is necessary. The test liquid should be of appropriate
safety and quality so that the environment, system, test equipment, and disposal (if necessary) are not adversely affected.
6.2.1 Where an existing water supply is used to supply test water, protect the existing water supply from backflow contamination
in accordance with local codes or as required by the authority having jurisdiction. Remove backflow protection and isolate the test
section from the existing water supply before testing.
6.2.2 Excluding retesting (if necessary), the quantity of liquid needed to fill the internal volume of the pipe test section and
accommodate test section expansion and possible leakage at non-fusion joints and seals is estimated using:
V 5 1.015 30.04 3~ID ! 3L (1)
gal in. ft
26 2
V 3 5 1.015 30.785 310 3~ID ! 3L
m mm m
where:
V = pipe section volume, U.S. gal,
gal
ID = pipe inside diameter, in.,
in.
L = test section length, ft,
ft
V = pipe section volume, m ,
m
ID = pipe inside diameter, mm, and
mm
L = test section length, m.
m
6.3 Filling and Pressurizing Equipment—Liquid filling and pressurizing equipment such as pumps, and pressure regulating
devices will usually be necessary. Filling equipment should be capable of filling the test section in a reasonable time against any
elevation head pressure that may be present. Pressurizing equipment should be able to maintain the necessary test pressure in the
test section and provide sufficient quantities of make-up test liquid for the duration of the test. Pressure regulating equipment
should be capable of maintaining test pressure for the duration of the test.
6.3.1 Filling equipment and pressurizing equipment do not need to be the same equipment.
6.4 Pressure Monitoring—Use at least one calibrated pre
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