Overview
EN ISO 13254:2017 - Thermoplastics piping systems for non-pressure applications - specifies a standardized test method for watertightness of thermoplastic products and joints used in non-pressure systems (e.g., gravity drainage, soil and waste systems). Adopted by CEN from ISO 13254:2010, this standard defines how to assemble, pressurize and inspect test pieces to verify leak-tight performance under controlled conditions.
Keywords: EN ISO 13254:2017, watertightness test, thermoplastics piping systems, non-pressure applications, hydrostatic pressure test, leakage testing.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to fabricated thermoplastic products made from more than one piece and to joints of thermoplastic piping systems intended for non-pressure service.
- Test principle: Subject a fabricated product or assembly (pipes and/or fittings including at least one joint under test) to a specified internal hydrostatic pressure for a defined time while inspecting for leakage.
- Test conditions:
- Test temperature: (23 ± 5) °C using cold tap water; avoid surface condensation.
- Pressure level: nominal test at 0.5 bar.
- Duration: for fabricated products an accelerated procedure maintaining 0.5 bar for at least 1 minute; for non-fabricated assemblies raise pressure smoothly (within 15 minutes) to 0.5 bar and maintain for at least 15 minutes.
- Angular deflection: where permitted, joints should be arranged at the manufacturer’s stated maximum angular deflection for the joint being tested.
- Apparatus requirements: end-sealing devices appropriate to joint type, hydrostatic pressure source capable of applying and holding the required pressure, bleed valve for air removal, and a pressure-measuring device.
- Test pieces: Assemble per manufacturer instructions; sample spigot/socket combinations that represent the smallest spigot and largest socket within tolerances. Test pieces may be inclined up to 12° to assist air removal.
- Reporting: The test report must reference the standard and include component IDs and diameters, test temperature and pressure, duration, deflection angle (if any), leakage observations (position and pressure of occurrence), appearance changes, and test date.
Applications and users
- Manufacturers of thermoplastic pipes, fittings and fabricated drainage products validating product watertightness.
- Independent test laboratories performing type or batch testing and compliance verification.
- Specifiers, consultants and installers of gravity drainage, soil and waste and other non-pressure piping systems who require validated joint performance data.
- Regulatory and conformity assessment bodies needing standardized test evidence.
Related standards
- ISO 13254:2010 - original international text adopted unchanged as EN ISO 13254:2017.
- Supersedes EN 1053:1995 (previous European standard for watertightness testing).
- Developed by ISO/TC 138 and CEN/TC 155 (plastics piping systems).