Good Engineering Practice for Northern Water and Sewer Systems

2.10.3 Video Inspection
Recommended for new sewer
mains.
2.10.4 Pressure Test
All pressure pipes should be tested
to AWWA standards and to
manufacturer’s standards.
2.10.5 Leakage Tests
All pressure pipes should be
subjected to a sustained period of
leakage tests to AWWA standards
and to the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
2.10.6 Infiltration/Exfiltration Test
Gravity pipes should be tested for
rates of infiltration or exfiltration.
2.10.7 Bacteriological Testing
All potable water mains and
services must be chlorinated in
accordance with AWWA C651.
Bacteriological testing must be
undertaken to prove there are no
total or faecal coliforms present
prior to the watermain being placed
in service.
Video inspection, after flushing, can determine grade
problems, pipe deformation, service penetrations and
the presence of debris, which can cause blockages.
Video inspection can also reveal infiltration problems.
Pressure testing, generally to 1,000 kPa or 1.5 times
the pressure rating of the pipe, reveals defective joints,
pipe or fittings. Testing pressure must be limited to the
rating of valves and fittings.
Sustained leakage tests, primarily on bell and spigot
joints, are required to ensure leakage is within
allowable limits.
Gravity pipes do not generally have fittings to allow
pressure tests. Infiltration/exfiltration tests are required
to ensure all joints and service saddles are properly
sealed.
No water from potable water mains can be considered
safe for human consumption until it can be
demonstrated that the water complies with current
Health Regulations and the Guidelines for Canadian
Drinking Water Quality.
GOOD ENGINEERING PRACTICE 2-19 Apr-04
Piping