Sewer main line acceptance testing checklist
Witnessed acceptance tests on a new or modified public sewer main before paving. Note each section or manhole tested, the readings, and any failures and retests.
Based on: UNI-B-6 and ASTM F1417 (low-pressure air), ASTM C1244 (manhole vacuum)
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General
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector given notice of each test (24 hours typical); testing and TV firms approved by the agency | |||
| Lines backfilled and cleaned before testing; testing done before paving |
Air test
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each gravity main section (manhole to manhole) and its lateral stubs air tested per UNI-B-6 / ASTM F1417, with the pressure raised for groundwater above the pipe | |||
| Gauge range suitable (no gauges reading over 30 psi, typical); pressure held for the time the standard sets for the pipe size and length |
Hydrostatic test
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force mains and low-pressure mains flushed with the inspector present before testing | |||
| Tested at the greater of 150% of design pressure or 100 psi for 2 hours (typical); air expelled first | |||
| Leakage below the allowable (typical: Q = L x D x sqrt(P) / 133,200 gal/hr), and any visible leak repaired regardless |
Manhole vacuum
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each manhole vacuum tested per ASTM C1244 to the top of the cone or flat slab, and held for the time the standard sets for its size |
Deflection
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible pipe mandrel tested at 95% of inside diameter, at least 30 days after final backfill, pulled by hand (typical; where the agency requires it) |
TV inspection
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every main section, stub and new manhole televised after the other tests pass, with water running and the line clean | |||
| Video labeled with project, date, direction, start and end footage, pipe type and size, lateral locations and defects | |||
| No bellies, flat or reverse grade, debris, damaged or displaced joints, bad wyes, bad manhole connections or infiltration |
Tracer wire
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracer wire continuity tested after backfill and again before final acceptance |
HDPE
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extracted internal fusion beads inspected: fully removed, double roll-back shape, smooth root cut |
Compaction
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compaction tests taken at the specified frequency (typical: 1 per lift per 200 ft off-road, 1 per 200 ft of bedding) |
Pump station
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pump station run continuously for 72 hours on clear water without failure, every valve and control operated (typical) | |||
| Electrical and controls tested per NETA and the manufacturers |
Results
| Item | Pass | Fail | N/A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each item's pass, failure, reason and retest recorded on the test results form and submitted | |||
| Failed sections repaired by approved methods (no surface grouting of manhole sections) and retested to a pass |
Photo A photo is expected with this item.
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This checklist is a starting point. Check each item against your current permit and your agency's standards before relying on it. For sewer districts and public works departments in any state: construction and acceptance of public sewer mains, private laterals and interceptors, and grease (FOG) compliance at food service businesses. Test methods follow common standards (UNI-B-6, ASTM F1417, ASTM C1244). Values marked "typical" are common values from published sewer agency standards and pretreatment rules; replace them with your own agency's standards and ordinances.
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