TECHNICAL BULLETIN

6.16 Testing Installed Irrigation

Systems for Joint Integrity

Introduction
Irrigation systems necessitate watertight pipe joints to conserve valuable water and
reduce pumping cost. For many of these projects, post-installation joint tests are timeconsuming, costly, and unnecessary. However when conditions dictate the need for
post-installation joint tests, this technical bulletin provides valuable information for testing
to demonstrate installed joint performance. This technical bulletin specifies the method
recommended by Hancor for post-installation joint tests in critical applications.
Standard Testing Methods
There are a number of established ASTM test procedures for post-installation joint
testing. Furthermore, a specifying agency or municipality may have established its own
procedure that might differ from an ASTM specification. All of these methods require
applying either internal or external water or air pressure to the joint and then measuring
the rate of leakage or pressure drop.
Joint tests can pose safety concerns. Some of the tests that are in use today were
initially developed for small diameter pipe and posed little hazard. However, Hancor
SaniTite pipe is available up through 60-inch (1500 mm) diameter; safety precautions
become extremely important when these large sizes are tested. This Technical Bulletin
is not meant to replace common sense, good engineering judgment, safety regulations
or local ordnances, nor the owners engineer who is the final authority.
Recommended Test Procedure
ASTM C969 is the test method that Hancor recommends to validate joint performance
for its watertight products. Originally developed for concrete sewer lines, the method
can also be applied to HDPE pipe. This method is recommended for several reasons.

Contractors are familiar with the procedure and need little if any additional instruction
to conduct the test on HDPE pipe.
Since ASTM C969 utilized water as the testing medium, this method is somewhat
safer than other test options utilizing pressurized air. High test pressure with air is
generally an unnecessary safety hazard, especially for pipe larger than 24 in
diameter.
The method is flexible. Either joint infiltration or exfiltration can be measured using
ASTM C969. In the case of irrigation applications:
o Exfiltration testing simulates the actual operating condition;
o Test pressure can be adjusted to match operating conditions of the system; and
o Longer lengths can be tested to accommodate fittings, grade changes, diameter
changes, tap connections and lay-outs typical found with irrigation systems.

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6.16 Testing Installed Irrigation Systems for Joint Integrity

Modifications to ASTM C969 for Irrigation Applications
ASTM C969 was originally developed for concrete sewer lines. Irrigation applications
are much more demanding than sewer lines. Due to these higher performance
expectations for irrigation applications the standard must be modified as follows:

Section 7.2.1 replace in its entirety with: Conduct testing from manhole to
manhole or between more than two manholes.
o Note - The ASTM C 969 standard limits the length of the test section to 700
feet. While this limit may be suitable for sewer systems with relatively short
sections from manhole to manhole, irrigation system can have long runs from
manhole to manhole often exceeding 700 feet in length. Therefore, testing
shall be conducted without limitation on test length.
o Caution - Test lengths longer than 3,200 feet should be performed in
consultation with a Hancor Engineer.

Section 7.2.4 replace in its entirety with: At the upstream structure the test
head shall be established such that the maximum system head pressure does
not exceed the maximum system operating pressure or a maximum of 7.5 psi
(17.3 feet of head), which ever is less.
o Note The ASTM C 969 standard does not establish a maximum test
pressure. A maximum pressure is being added to prevent testing above the
rated performance of the pipe joint. Therefore, it is recommended to
establish the maximum system test pressure of 7.5 psi (17.3 feet of head)
measured from the centerline of the pipe, which ever is less.
o Caution Air should be expelled from the line during fill and avoid pressure
surges.

Section 7.2.5 replace in its entirety with: Allow the pipe to remain filled for a
period long enough for conditioning the pipe, a minimum of 1 hr and up to a
maximum of 3 hours. After the conditioning period, refill the pipe to the
required test head.
o Note The ASTM C969 is modified to allow the expansion of the
polyethylene under pressure. Hence additional water will be required to
make up for this expansion. This conditioning period replaces the water
absorption period for the original standard. Therefore, conditioning times can
be significantly reduced from 4 to 72 hours to 1 to 3 hours.

Section 7.2.6 replace in its entirety with: Measure the leakage loss over a timed
test period. The minimum test period shall be 15 min and the maximum shall
not exceed 5 hours.
o Note - The ASTM C969 standard is modified to accommodate the material
change. Since HDPE is a non-pores material, any leakage will be
immediately measured.

Section 8.2.1 - replace in its entirety with: For exfiltration testing the allowable
leakage limit including manholes is 50 gal/(in. of internal diameter) (mile of

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6.16 Testing Installed Irrigation Systems for Joint Integrity

irrigation pipe) (24h) when the average head on the test section is 3 feet or
less.
o Note - To meet the higher level of performance expectations with irrigation
systems, allowable leakage rate should be limited to 50 gal/(in diameter) (
mile) (24 h)

Appendix replace all references to 200 gal/(in diameter) ( mile) (24 h) with: 50
gal/(in dia.) (mile) ( 24 h).
Note To meet higher level of performance expectations with the irritation systems.
General Testing Protocol
If hydrostatic testing is required prior to acceptance and service, it is a good practice to
test as the project proceeds. This testing can detect permit early detection and
correction of installation flaws. Testing in lengths greater than 3,200 feet should be
performed under the guidance and direction of an engineer. Routine care normal
precautions and typical procedures used in this work the following suggestions should
be noted.

Preparation for test inspect the completed installation to assure that all work has
been finished properly. Critical to performance criteria include:
o Pipe deflection within manufacturer recommended limits
o Pipe joint assembly is correct
o Thrust blocks, anchors, and other system restraints are in place and properly
cured
o Flange bolts torque per instructions
o Backfilling complete
o Valves anchored
o Backfill and compaction near structures has been properly completed.

Filling the line with water When filling the system care must be taken to avoid
safety hazards and/or damage the system. Critical criteria include:
o Open valves and vents so that all air is expelled from the line during filling and
avoid pressure surges.
o Pressurize the line slowly. Considerable energy is stored in a pipe line under
pressure.
o Insure the gage location will read the highest line pressure or adjust accordingly.
Locations lower in the line will have higher pressure due to additional head.
o Insure the maximum test pressure is not exceeded. Trapped air may expand
rapidly as temperatures change, causing rapid increases in pressure. This may
create a dangerous situation resulting is a safety hazard or damage to the pipe
system.
o After the stabilization period the line does not hold constant pressure, insure that
thermal effect associated with pipe expansion or contraction or entrapped air is
not the cause. If the pipe is determined to be leaking and the location is not
readily apparent, the following methods may aid discovery of the problem:
Check flange and valve areas

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6.16 Testing Installed Irrigation Systems for Joint Integrity

Check line tap locations

Use sonic detection equipment
Test the line in smaller segments to isolate the leak.

Maximum Field Test Pressures - Maximum pressures are measured at the

centerline of the pipe. The maximum test pressure for the two jointing methods is
as follows:
o SaniTite Bell and Spigot Joint 7.5 psi
o SaniTite Welded joints 10.0 psi

Testable Hancor Pipe

SaniTite pipe has a pressure testable joint. It has been tested in the laboratory to meet
ASTM D3212, but will also pass ASTM D969 after installation. If a test other than ASTM
C969 is specified, the test procedure should be reviewed with a Hancor engineer to
make sure that SaniTite is right for the application. Communities that have established
their own test method to contend with local conditions or concerns often find that the test
method described herein is an acceptable alternative for Hancor SaniTite pipe.

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