The testing of pipes is based on the defined field of application. The national building and construction authorities require the approval of pipes according to a defined set of criteria, which are usually defined in specification standards or technical delivery conditions, with a great level of detail. The requirements can vary widely from one country to another. Due to the wide range of application areas and materials, there are numerous national and international standards used in the testing of plastic pipes. Both the material properties of the plastic and the performance characteristics of the finished pipe are tested. The standards concerning plastic pipes are determined by the material used to manufacture such pipe (polyethylene, polypropylene or PVC) and by the function that is going to perform, whether supply or sanitation. Polyethylene pipes for water supply are regulated by the EN 12201. This standard compiles requirements that this type of pipes should comply with: physical (melt mass-flow rate, oxidation induction time, effect on water quality) and mechanical (elongation at break, hydrostatic resistance). In pipes and fittings manufactured for polypropylene pipe systems, there is a different regulation depending on its use: supply (EN ISO 15874) or sanitation (EN 1451). This last case corresponds to plastic piping systems for waste discharge (low and high temperature) within the building structure. In the EN 1451 the following characteristics are covered: melt mass-flow rate, longitudinal shrinkage, heat performance and impact resistance. For polypropylene pipe systems intented to supply uses, EN ISO 15874 establishes the geometrical, physical (opacity, longitudinal shrinkage, melt flow index, impact resistance, and thermal stability by hydrostatic pressure testing) and mechanical characteristics (hydrostatic resistance) which polypropylene pipe systems must comply with.
