ASTM F2550-06

The testing of sewers for leaks is a regular practice necessary for the maintenance and optimal performance of sewer collection systems so remedial action can be prioritized, designed, and carried out to reduce infiltration and exfiltration.

This practice serves as a means to detect and locate all types of pipe defects that are potential sources of water leaks either into or out of electrically non-conducting pipes. Leaking joints and defective service connections are detected that often may not show as a defect when viewed from inside the pipe. The electro-scan data maybe processed and analyzed to provide some information on the size and type of pipe defect. (8.4.1)

This practice applies to mainline and lateral gravity flow storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and combined sewers fabricated from electrically non-conducting material with diameters between 3 and 60 in. (75 and 1500 mm). The pipes must be free of obstructions that prevent the sonde passing through the pipe.

1.1 This practice covers procedures for using the electro-scan method to detect and locate potential pipe leak defects that are potential sources of leaks in pipes fabricated from electrically nonconductive material such as plastic, clay, and concrete (reinforced and non-reinforced). The electro-scan method uses the variation of electric current flow through the pipe wall to locate defects that are potential water leakage paths either into or out of the pipe.

1.2 This practice applies to mainline and lateral gravity flow storm sewers, sanitary sewers, and combined sewers with diameters between 3 and 60 in. (75 and 1500 mm). The pipes must be free of obstructions that prevent the sonde passing through the pipe.

1.3 The use of the electro-scan requires access to sewers, filling sewers, and operations along roadways that are safety hazards. This standard does not describe the hazards likely to be encountered or the safety procedures that must be carried out when operating in these hazardous environments. () There are no safety hazards specifically associated with the use of an electro-scan apparatus that complies with the specifications provided in this standard. ( and .)

1.4 The use of electro-scan requires the insertion of various items into a sewer. There is always a risk that due to unknown structural conditions in the sewer such items may become lodged in the pipe or may cause the state of a sewer in poor structural condition to further deteriorate. This standard does not describe methods to assess the structural risk of a sewer.

1.5 The values stated in inch/pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

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 and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.