Can installed PVC pipe be air tested?

PVC Pipe should not be air tested at high pressures!

A. PVC Pressure pipe requires pressure testing at high psi. A failure of a high pressure air testing
would result in high velocity and likely fatal projectile objects; therefore, air testing of PVC
pressure pipe is expressly prohibited. Water pressure testing is the only pressure testing
allowed to be performed on PVC pressure pipe.

B. Gravity Sewer PVC pipe (ASTM D3034/F679) can be air tested up to a maximum of 9 psig
(typical testing pressures are lower) according to ASTM F1417 "Standard Test Method for
Installation Acceptance of Plastic Gravity Sewer Lines Using Low-Pressure Air.” Even though 9
psig is low pressure, the resulting thrust forces on a pipeline, end plugs and caps can result in
projectile objects during a test failure; therefore, the following safety risks from Section 6 of
ASTM F1417 (the ASTM Air Testing Standard) should be considered:

• “No one shall be allowed in the manholes during testing”
• “When lines are tested, it is mandatory that all the caps and plugs be braced as an
  added safety factor”
• “A regulator or relief valve set no higher than 9 psi shall be included on all
  pressurizing equipment.”

For more information, refer to Uni-Bell's Technical Briefs: Air Testing of Installed PVC Pipelines and Considerations for Air Testing of PVC Sewer Pipes