ASTM F3097-22

Standard Practice for Installation of an Outside Sewer Service Cleanout through a Minimally Invasive Small Bore Vacuum Excavation and Same Day Restoration

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is for use by designers and specifiers, regulatory agencies, owners, and inspection organizations who are involved in the installation of a sewer service cleanout.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers (i) installation methods, test methods, and required materials for the installation of a sewer service clean out, by means of a small vacuum excavated borehole, and (ii) same-day site restoration. The utilization of this practice greatly reduces disruption and greatly improves safety for to residents, business owners, and the public.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
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.  
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-Aug-2022
• ICS: 93.030 - External sewage systems
• Technical Committee: F17 - Plastic Piping Systems
• Drafting Committee: F17.67 - Trenchless Plastic Pipeline Technology

Relations

• 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 F412-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C920-18 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)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 D3034-15 - Standard Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3034-15e1 - Standard Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2855-15 - 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-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM F412-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM D3034-14a - Standard Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM C920-14a - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014

Overview

ASTM F3097-22 is the internationally recognized standard that outlines best practices for the installation of outside sewer service cleanouts using a minimally invasive, small bore vacuum excavation technique. Developed by ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems, this standard practice guides designers, specifiers, regulatory agencies, construction professionals, and inspection agencies in efficiently installing sewer cleanouts with minimal site disruption and improved safety for residents and the public.

The approach detailed in ASTM F3097-22 enables same-day site restoration, meaning essential services can be maintained with less inconvenience to homeowners, businesses, and municipalities. The standard also sets forth testing methods, required materials, and restoration protocols to ensure the integrity and performance of newly installed sewer cleanouts.

Key Topics

• Trenchless Installation Methods: Defines the procedures for creating a small borehole at the target location using a vacuum excavation unit, significantly reducing the need for large open trenches.
• Testing and Quality Control: Provides guidance on exfiltration water tests and inspection methods to verify watertight connections before putting the cleanout into use.
• Material Requirements: Specifies the use of PVC riser pipes, elastomeric joint sealants, and proper adhesives to ensure durability and compatibility with existing lateral sewer service pipes.
• Same Day Site Restoration: Details the steps for backfilling and restoring the surface (e.g., soil, sod, concrete, asphalt) to match the pre-installation condition, thereby minimizing disruption.
• Safety and Compliance: Emphasizes the necessity for users to implement appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices in accordance with local regulations and the standard's guidelines.
• Minimally Invasive Techniques: Outlines processes that significantly reduce displacement of soil and surface materials compared to conventional excavation, lessening environmental and community impact.

Applications

ASTM F3097-22 is widely applicable in municipal, commercial, and residential sewer service projects, including:

• Municipal Sewer Maintenance: Enables public works departments to add or rehabilitate cleanouts without major disruption to roads, sidewalks, or landscaping.
• New Construction: Provides a reliable approach to installing cleanouts during new developments where minimizing disturbance is essential.
• Retrofit and Repairs: Ideal for upgrading or replacing cleanouts in existing properties, particularly in locations with surface paving or established landscaping.
• Regulatory Compliance: Offers guidance for agencies and inspection bodies verifying that installations meet safety, restoration, and leak-test criteria.

By utilizing this practice, contractors can achieve faster project turnaround, maintain the structural integrity of surrounding areas, and uphold high safety standards, all while adhering to industry best practices.

Related Standards

Practitioners using ASTM F3097-22 should also be familiar with these referenced ASTM standards to ensure compatibility and compliance:

• ASTM C920: Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• ASTM D1600: Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D2855: Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Cement) Method for Joining PVC/CPVC Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM D3034: Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
• ASTM F412: Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems

ASTM F3097-22 stands as an essential resource for standardized sewer service cleanout installation methods employing vacuum excavation and same-day restoration, supporting modern infrastructure needs for efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact.

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: F3097 − 22
Standard Practice for
Installation of an Outside Sewer Service Cleanout through a
Minimally Invasive Small Bore Vacuum Excavation and
Same Day Restoration
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3097; 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* D3034 Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
(PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
1.1 This practice covers (i) installation methods, test
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
methods, and required materials for the installation of a sewer
service clean out, by means of a small vacuum excavated
3. Terminology
borehole, and (ii) same-day site restoration. The utilization of
this practice greatly reduces disruption and greatly improves
3.1 Unless otherwise indicated, definitions are in accor-
safety for to residents, business owners, and the public.
dance with Terminology F412, and abbreviations are in accor-
dance with Terminology D1600.
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
included in this standard.
3.2.1 adhesive/sealant—an elastomeric bonding agent de-
signed to provide a water activated, leak resistant flexible bond
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
between a PVC pipe saddle and a lateral sewer service pipe.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2 borehole —a small diameter vacuum excavated hole.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.3 cleanout—a fitting located on a lateral sewer service
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
pipe having a vertical riser pipe extending therefrom to the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
surface providing access to the lateral sewer service pipe.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.4 cleanout riser pipe—a section of pipe that is con-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
nected to the boss of a saddle and extends from the saddle to
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
the surface.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.5 coring—the process of remotely cuttingaholethrough
the crown of a sewer service pipe such that the coupon is
2. Referenced Documents
retrieved to establish communication from a cleanout riser pipe
2.1 ASTM Standards: and a lateral sewer service pipe.
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
3.2.6 coupon—a disc shaped piece of the lateral sewer
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
service pipe produced by coring.
tics
3.2.7 lateral sewer service pipe—a sewer pipe that connects
D2855 Practice for the Two-Step (Primer and Solvent Ce-
a building to a municipal, main sewer pipe in a lateral direction
ment) Method of Joining Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) or
and collects sanitary waste or storm water.
Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) Pipe and
3.2.8 saddle—a PVC saddle that encompasses more than
Piping Components with Tapered Sockets
50% of a lateral sewer service pipe where the side walls of the
saddle extend beyond the spring line of the host pipe. The
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic
saddle includes setoff tabs that allow for uniform distribution
Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.67 on
of the adhesive/sealant.
Trenchless Plastic Pipeline Technology.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
3.2.9 same day restoration—a process whereby surface
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F3097–15(2021). DOI:
restorations are completed the same day the cleanout is
10.1520/F3097–22
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
installed.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.2.10 setoff tabs—Protruding tabs located on the underside
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. of the saddle one located on each side of the saddle boss for the
*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
F3097 − 22
purpose of insuring a specific annulus between the host pipe 7. Tools Required for Installation
and the saddle and a specific layer thickness of adhesive/
7.1 Vacuum excavation unit—mobile piece of equipment
sealant.
that supplies sufficient volume of vacuum necessary to exca-
3.2.11 sonde—a device outfitted in a closed circuit video
vate a vertical bore hole.
inspection camera that emits a signal in subterranean pipelines
7.2 Coring equipment—Asuitable coring saw with an outer
that is traceable by use of a locating receiver at surface.
diameter ⁄8in.lessthantheinnerdiameteriftheriserpipewith
a cutting blade suitable for the specific pipe material on which
4. Summary of Practice
the cleanout has been installed.
4.1 The process of installing a cleanout through a minimally
7.3 Power head—power device that rotates the coring saw.
invasiveexcavationbeginswithlocatingthe4in.or6in.sewer
service lateral. This is accomplished by use of a CCTV 7.4 Extension rods—extension shafts that connect the power
head to the coring saw. Available in various lengths according
outfitted with a locatable sonde and vacuum excavating a small
borehole, providing access to the exterior surface of a lateral to the depth of the service lateral pipe that the cleanout is being
attached to.
sewer service pipe. Once the lateral sewer service pipe has
been exposed, a self-clamping saddle is prepared by applying
7.5 Video camera—CCTV camera that’s outfitted with a
a specified amount of adhesive/sealant to the underside of the
sonde locating device and a compatible receiver.The camera is
saddle and a riser pipe is attached to the boss of the saddle.The
suitable for sewer pipe conditions.
prepared saddle is lowered into the small diameter bore hole
7.6 Water—The amount of water required to perform the
until it contacts the lateral sewer service pipe; a downward
exfiltration test is outlined in Table 1.
force is applied to the riser pipe causing the side walls of the
saddle to spread and encompass more than 50-percent of the
8. Procedure
host pipe. Surface restoration is minimal and in most cases is
8.1 The first step in installing a trenchless sewer service
accomplished the same day the cleanout is installed.
cleanout begins with locating the non-lined lateral sewer
service pipe. A method utilized and associated with this
5. Significance and Use
installationprocessconsistsofinsertingavideocamerawithan
5.1 This practice is for use by designers and specifiers,
internal sonde into the lateral service line remotely from the
...

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: F3097 − 15 (Reapproved 2021) F3097 − 22
Standard Practice for
Installation of an Outside Sewer Service Cleanout through a
Minimally Invasive Small Bore Vacuum Excavation and
Same Day Restoration
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3097; 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 Scope*
1.1 This practice covers (i) installation methods, test methods, and required materials for the installation of an outside a sewer
service clean out, by means of a small vacuum excavated borehole. borehole, and (ii) same-day site restoration. The utilization of
this practice greatly reduces disruption to the general public and requires minimal restoration.and greatly improves safety for to
residents, business owners, and the public.
1.2 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in
this standard.
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.
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:
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D2855 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
D3034 Specification for Type PSM Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings
F412 Terminology Relating to Plastic Piping Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 Unless otherwise indicated, definitions are in accordance with Terminology F412, and abbreviations are in accordance with
Terminology D1600.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F17 on Plastic Piping Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F17.67 on Trenchless Plastic
Pipeline Technology.
Current edition approved July 1, 2021Sept. 1, 2022. Published August 2021October 2022. Originally approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 20152021 as
F3097F3097–15(2021).–15. DOI: 10.1520/F3097–15R2110.1520/F3097–22
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.
*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
F3097 − 22
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 adhesive/sealant—an elastomeric bonding agent designed to provide a water activated, leak resistant flexible bond between
a PVC pipe saddle and a lateral sewer service pipe.
3.2.2 borehole —a small diameter vacuum excavated hole.
3.2.3 cleanout—a fitting located on a lateral sewer service pipe having a vertical riser pipe extending therefrom to the surface
providing access to the lateral sewer service pipe.
3.2.4 cleanout riser pipe—a section of pipe that is connected to the boss of a saddle and extends from the saddle to the surface.
3.2.5 coring—the process of remotely cutting a hole through the crown of a sewer service pipe such that the coupon is retrieved
to establish communication from a cleanout riser pipe and a lateral sewer service pipe.
3.2.6 coupon—a disc shaped piece of the lateral sewer service pipe produced by coring.
3.2.7 lateral sewer service pipe—a sewer pipe that connects a building to a municipal, main sewer pipe in a lateral direction and
collects sanitary waste or storm water.
3.2.8 saddle—a PVC saddle that encompasses more than 50% of a lateral sewer service pipe where the side walls of the saddle
extend beyond the spring line of the host pipe. The saddle includes setoff tabs that allow for uniform distribution of the
adhesive/sealant.
3.2.9 same day restoration—a process whereby surface restorations are completed the same day the cleanout is installed.
3.2.10 setoff tabs—Protruding tabs located on the underside of the saddle one located on each side of the saddle boss for the
purpose of insuring a specific annulus between the host pipe and the saddle and a specific layer thickness of adhesive/sealant.
3.2.11 sonde—a device outfitted in a closed circuit video inspection camera that emits a signal in subterranean pipelines that is
traceable by use of a locating receiver at surface.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The process of installing a cleanout through a minimally invasive excavation begins with locating the 4 in. or 6 in. sewer
service lateral. This is accomplished by use of a CCTV outfitted with a locatable sonde and vacuum excavating a small borehole,
providing access to the exterior surface of a lateral sewer service pipe. Once the lateral sewer service pipe has been exposed, a
self-clamping saddle is prepared by applying a specified amount of adhesive/sealant to the underside of the saddle and a riser pipe
is attached to the boss of the saddle. The prepared saddle is lowered into the small diameter bore hole until it contacts the lateral
sewer service pipe; a downward force is applied to the riser pipe causing the side walls of the saddle to spread and encompass more
than 50-percent of the host pipe. Surface restoration is minimal and in most cases is accomplished the same day the cleanout is
installed.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice is for use by designers and specifiers, regulatory agencies, owners, and inspection organizations who are involved
in the installation of a sewer service cleanoutcleanout.
6. Components
6.1 The saddle shall be formed as a semi-circle and shall encompass more than 180-degrees of the pipe circumference. The saddle
shall have an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the host pipe (see Fig. 1).
6.2 The riser pipe shall be PVC pipe in accordance with Specification D3034.
F3097 − 22
FIG. 1 Saddle greater than 180°
6.3 Adhesive/Sealant shall be in accordance with Specification C920.
6.4 The solvent cement shall be in accordance with Practice D2855.
7. Tools Required for Installation
7.1 Vacuum excavation unit—mobile piece of equipment that supplies sufficient volume of vacuum necessary to excavate a vertical
bore hole.
7.2 Coring equipment—A suitable coring saw with an outer diameter ⁄8 in. less than the inner diameter if the riser pipe with a
cutting blade suitable for the specific pipe material on which the cleanout has been installed.
7.3 Power head—power device that rotates the coring saw.
7.4 Extension rods—extension shafts that connect the power head to the coring saw. Available in various lengths according to the
depth of the service lateral pipe that the cleanout is being attached to.
7.5 Video camera—CCTV camera that’s outfitted with a sonde locating device and a compatible receiver. The camera is suitable
for sewer pipe conditions.
7.6 Water—The amount of water required to perform the exfiltration test is outlined in Table 1.
TABLE 1 Water Volume Required to Perform Leak Test
Depth of Lateral (ft) Amount of Water Required (Gal)
6 15.68
7 18.29
8 20.90
9 23.51
10 26.15
11 28.73
12 31.36
13 33.96
14 36.58
15 39.18
16 41.80
17 44.40
18 47.02
19 49.63
20 52.25
F3097 − 22
8. Procedure
8.1 The first step in installing a trenchless sewer service cleanout begins with locating the non-lined lateral sewer service pipe.
A method utilized and associated with this inst
...