ASTM F2164-21 - Standard Practice for Field Leak Testing of Polyethylene (PE) and Crosslinked Polyethylene (PEX) Pressure Piping Systems Using Hydrostatic Pressure

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.