ASTM C1103-22

Standard Practice for Joint Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines

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 practice covers procedures for testing the joints of installed precast concrete pipe sewer lines, when using either air or water under low pressure to demonstrate the integrity of the joint and the construction procedures. This practice is used for testing precast concrete sewer lines utilizing rubber gasket sealed joints.
Note 1: The user of this practice is advised that methods described herein may also be used as a preliminary test to enable the manufacturer or installer to demonstrate the condition of sewer pipe prior to delivery.  
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.
Note 2: The owner shall specify the following: who will conduct, observe, and furnish labor, material, and measuring devices and pay for the tests; who is responsible for determining local ground conditions; and whether an air or water test is to be used.
Note 3: The user of this practice is advised that test criteria presented in this practice are similar to those in general use. Pipe shall be accepted by infiltration or exfiltration testing utilizing Practice C969 (C969M).
Note 4: Test times tabulated and the rate of air loss in this practice 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.  
1.3 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. Specific precautions are given in Section 6.  
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: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 23.040.50 - Pipes and fittings of other materials
• Technical Committee: C13 - Concrete Pipe
• Drafting Committee: C13.09 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C822-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM C969M-17 - Standard Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines (Metric)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2017
• 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 C969M-02(2009) - Standard Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines (Metric)
• 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

Overview

ASTM C1103-22 - Standard Practice for Joint Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines provides procedures for verifying the integrity of joints in installed precast concrete sewer pipes. This practice utilizes either air or water under low pressure to assess the condition of rubber gasket sealed joints in sewer lines, confirming adequate installation and leak-proof performance. The recorded values pertain solely to the specific sewer section at the time of testing, rather than serving as a routine quality control measure.

This standard is essential for owners, contractors, and inspectors responsible for ensuring that precast concrete sewer pipe installations meet strict integrity and performance criteria before being approved for service.

Key Topics

• Testing Methods: Outlines procedures using either low-pressure air or water testing at the joints of sewer lines.
• Applicability: Targets installed precast concrete pipes with rubber gasket sealed joints, and may also be applied as a preliminary check by manufacturers or installers before delivery.
• Test Preparation: Emphasizes safety, correct apparatus setup, and appropriate site conditions, including cleaning and wetting pipe interiors for reliable results.
• Acceptance Criteria: Specifies a "go/no go" approach, where joints are deemed acceptable if pressure loss remains within set limits over a short time interval.
• Safety Considerations: Details critical precautions when working with compressed air and test apparatus, including the use of pressure relief devices and adherence to manufacturer instructions.
• Responsibility and Documentation: Requires that project owners specify parties responsible for conducting, observing, and funding the test, and for providing necessary equipment and personnel.

Applications

• Quality Assurance in Sewer Construction: ASTM C1103-22 is widely used for final joint acceptance testing before sewer lines are placed into service, confirming leak resistance and overall installation integrity.
• Verification of Construction Procedures: Provides assurance that proper construction methods have been followed, reducing the risk of leaks and early failure.
• Compliance with Project Specifications: Helps demonstrate conformity to engineering specifications and regulatory requirements for municipal, industrial, or private sewer installations.
• Early Problem Detection: Allows for the identification and remediation of leaking or faulty joints before backfilling or completing a sewer installation, saving on potential costly repairs later.
• Pre-Delivery Manufacturer Testing: Can serve as a preliminary test at the manufacturing or staging facility to give confidence in the delivered product.

Related Standards

For comprehensive testing and terminology in precast concrete pipe installations, the following ASTM standards are closely related:

• ASTM C822: Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related Products - provides definitions to support consistent understanding and communication.
• ASTM C969 / C969M: Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines - offers alternative or supplemental testing methods for installed pipelines using infiltration or exfiltration measurements.
• ASTM C1103M: The SI (metric) equivalent companion practice to C1103, for projects using metric measurement.

Adhering to ASTM C1103-22 ensures standardized joint acceptance practices, contributing to the long-term reliability and performance of precast concrete sewer systems. Using this standard demonstrates a commitment to industry best practices and regulatory compliance in 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: C1103 − 22
Standard Practice for
Joint Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe
Sewer Lines
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1103; 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 practice covers procedures for testing the joints of
installed precast concrete pipe sewer lines, when using either C822 Terminology Relating to Concrete Pipe and Related
Products
air or water under low pressure to demonstrate the integrity of
the joint and the construction procedures. This practice is used C969 Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance
Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
for testing precast concrete sewer lines utilizing rubber gasket
sealed joints. C969M Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance
NOTE 1—The user of this practice is advised that methods described Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
herein may also be used as a preliminary test to enable the manufacturer
(Metric)
or installer to demonstrate the condition of sewer pipe prior to delivery.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1 Definitions—Fordefinitionsoftermsrelatingtoconcrete
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
pipe, see Terminology C822.
and are not considered standard.
4. Summary of Practice
NOTE 2—The owner shall specify the following: who will conduct,
4.1 The joint in the sewer line to be tested is covered on the
observe, and furnish labor, material, and measuring devices and pay for
the tests; who is responsible for determining local ground conditions; and inside of the pipe by a ring with two end element sealing tubes.
whether an air or water test is to be used.
Air or water, at low pressure, is introduced through a connec-
NOTE 3—The user of this practice is advised that test criteria presented
tion on the ring into the annular space between the ring and
in this practice are similar to those in general use. Pipe shall be accepted
joint. The amount of air, or water, loss is used to determine the
by infiltration or exfiltration testing utilizing Practice C969 (C969M).
acceptability of the installed sewer line.
NOTE 4—Test times tabulated and the rate of air loss in this practice are
based on successful testing of installed pipelines. However, since air and
5. Significance and Use
water have different physical properties, retests of some pipelines not
meeting field air tests have been successful when tested with water.
5.1 This is not a routine test. The values recorded are
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
applicable only to the sewer being tested and at the time of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
testing.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6. Safety Precautions
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6.1 The use of compressed air is dangerous if a sewer line is
Specific precautions are given in Section 6.
not prepared properly and proper procedures are not followed.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.2 It is imperative that all pressures be relieved completely
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
before the test apparatus is loosened for removal.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6.3 Pressurizing lines for the two end element sealing tubes
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
shall be separate from the lines for pressurizing the void
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
volume created by the joint test apparatus. The pressures
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
required to seal the end element tubes shall be as specified by
the apparatus manufacturer, and are greater than the pressure
This practice 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 Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1103 – 19. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C1103_C1103M-22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1103 − 22
method shall not be used and the infiltration test may be used (see Practice
required to test the joint. The line for pressurizing the void
C969 (C969M)).
volume shall include a 6 psi (41 kPa) pressure relief device to
NOTE 7—An air or water reservoir shall be included in the joint test
reduce hazards and avoid overpressurization.
system. By maintaining a constant supply of air or water in a reservoir,
continuous pumping of air or water is not required, and any variances in
7. Preparation of the Sewer Joint test equipment and joint space will be negated. The reservoir shall have a
3 3
minimum volume of 2.5 ft (0.07 m ).
7.1 Check the size of access openings to ensure that the test
8.2 Joint Air Test:
apparatus
...

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: C1103 − 19 C1103 − 22
Standard Practice for
Joint Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe
Sewer Lines
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1103; 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 covers procedures for testing the joints of installed precast concrete pipe sewer lines, when using either air or
water under low pressure to demonstrate the integrity of the joint and the construction procedures. This practice is used for testing
precast concrete sewer lines utilizing rubber gasket sealed joints.
NOTE 1—The user of this practice is advised that methods described herein may also be used as a preliminary test to enable the manufacturer or installer
to demonstrate the condition of sewer pipe prior to delivery.
1.2 This practice is the inch-pound companion to PracticeThe values stated in inch-pound units are to be C1103M; therefore, no
SI equivalents are presented in the practice.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.
NOTE 2—The owner shall specify the following: who will conduct, observe, and furnish labor, material, and measuring devices and pay for the tests; who
is responsible for determining local ground conditions; and whether an air or water test is to be used.
NOTE 3—The user of this practice is advised that test criteria presented in this practice are similar to those in general use. Pipe shall be accepted by
infiltration or exfiltration testing utilizing Practice C969. (C969M).
NOTE 4—Test times tabulated and the rate of air loss in this practice 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.
1.3 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. Specific precautions are given in Section 6.
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
C969 Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines
C969M Practice for Infiltration and Exfiltration Acceptance Testing of Installed Precast Concrete Pipe Sewer Lines (Metric)
This practice 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 Jan. 1, 2019Oct. 1, 2022. Published January 2019October 2022. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 20142019 as
C1103 – 14.C1103 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/C1103-19.10.1520/C1103_C1103M-22.
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
C1103 − 22
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to concrete pipe, see Terminology C822.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The joint in the sewer line to be tested is covered on the inside of the pipe by a ring with two end element sealing tubes. Air
or water, at low pressure, is introduced through a connection on the ring into the annular space between the ring and joint. The
amount of air, or water, loss is used to determine the acceptability of the installed sewer line.
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.
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 The use of compressed air is dangerous if a sewer line is not prepared properly and proper procedures are not followed.
6.2 It is imperative that all pressures be relieved completely before the test apparatus is loosened for removal.
6.3 Pressurizing lines for the two end element sealing tubes shall be separate from the lines for pressurizing the void volume
created by the joint test apparatus. The pressures required to seal the end element tubes shall be as specified by the apparatus
manufacturer, and are greater than the pressure required to test the joint. The line for pressurizing the void volume shall include
a 6-psi 6 psi (41 kPa) pressure relief device to reduce hazards and avoid overpressurization.
7. Preparation of the Sewer Joint
7.1 Check the size of access openings to ensure that the test apparatus will fit in the sewer line.
7.2 Clean the joint and interior joint surfaces to eliminate debris prior to wetting and testing.
NOTE 5—The user of this practice is advised that a wetted interior surface is desirable and will produce more consistent results. Air may pass through
the walls of dry pipe. This
...