Plastic Pipe [49 CFR 192.281]

(A)A. General. A plastic pipe joint that is joined by solvent cement, adhesive, or heat fusion may not be disturbed until it has properly set. Plastic pipe may not be joined by a threaded joint or miter joint. [49 CFR 192.281(a)]#

(B)B. Solvent Cement Joints. Each solvent cement joint on plastic pipe must comply with the following. [49 CFR 192.281(b)]#

(1)1. The mating surfaces of the joint must be clean, dry, and free of material which might be detrimental to the joint. [49 CFR 192.281(b)(1)]#

(2)2. The solvent cement must conform to ASTM D 2564-12 for PVC (incorporated by reference, see §507) [49 CFR 192.281(b)(2)]#

(3)3. The joint may not be heated or cooled to accelerate the setting of the cement. [49 CFR 192.281(b)(3)]#

(C)C. Heat-Fusion Joints. Each heat-fusion joint on a PE pipe or component, except for electrofusion joints, must comply with ASTM F2620 (incorporated by reference in §507), or an alternative written procedure that has been demonstrated to provide an equivalent or superior level of safety and has been proven by test or experience to produce strong gastight joints, and the following. [49 CFR 192.281(c)]#

(1)1. A butt heat-fusion joint must be joined by a device that holds the heater element square to the ends of the piping or component, compresses the heated ends together, and holds the pipe in proper alignment in accordance with the appropriate procedure qualified under §1513. [49 CFR 192.281(c)(1)]#

(2)2. A socket heat-fusion joint must be joined by a device that heats the mating surfaces of the pipe or component, uniformly and simultaneously to establish the same temperature. The device used must be the same device specified in the operator's joining procedure for socket fusion. [49 CFR 192.281(c)(2)]#

(3)3. An electrofusion joint must be made using the equipment and techniques prescribed by the fitting manufacturer, or using equipment and techniques shown, by testing joints to the requirements of §1513.A.1.c, to be at least equivalent to or better than the requirements of the fitting manufacturer. [49 CFR 192.281(c)(3)]#

(4)4. Heat may not be applied with a torch or other open flame. [49 CFR 192.281(c)(4)]#

(D)D. Adhesive Joints. Each adhesive joint on plastic pipe must comply with the following. [49 CFR 192.281(d)]#

(1)1. The adhesive must conform to ASTM D 2517 (incorporated by reference, see §507). [49 CFR 192.281(d)(1)]#

(2)2. The materials and adhesive must be compatible with each other. [49 CFR 192.281(d)(2)]#

(E)E. Mechanical Joints. Each compression type mechanical joint on plastic pipe must comply with the following. [49 CFR 192.281(e)]#

(1)1. The gasket material in the coupling must be compatible with the plastic. [49 CFR 192.281(e)(1)]#

(2)2. A rigid internal tubular stiffener, other than a split tubular stiffener, must be used in conjunction with the coupling. [49 CFR 192.281(e)(2)]#

(3)3. All mechanical fittings must meet a listed specification based upon the applicable material. [49 CFR 192.281(e)(3)]#

(4)4. All mechanical joints or fittings installed after January 22, 2019, must be Category 1 as defined by a listed specification for the applicable material, providing a seal plus resistance to a force on the pipe joint equal to or greater than that which will cause no less than 25 percent elongation of pipe, or the pipe fails outside the joint area if tested in accordance with the applicable standard. [49 CFR 192.281(e)(4)]#

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:501 et seq.#

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, LR 9:231 (April 1983), amended LR 10:523 (July 1984), LR 20:445 (April 1994), LR 24:1309 (July 1998), LR 30:1243 (June 2004), LR 38:116 (January 2012), LR 44:1039 (June 2018), LR 46:1585 (November 2020), LR. 47:1144 (August 2021), LR 49:1104 (June 2023), amended by the Department of Conservation and Energy, Office of Enforcement, LR 51:1833 (November 2025).#