33 05 05.36 - Vacuum Testing.pdf
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- Attached to
- Contract 2026-01: Maintenance & Emergency Contract (Excavation) – Project No. 7297. 0444
- Solicitation number
- Not on record
- Issued by
- York County, Pennsylvania
About this file
This is a technical specification document for vacuum testing of sewage and stormwater manholes, prepared by Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., for West Manchester Township's Maintenance & Emergency Contract (Project No. 7297.0444) in Pennsylvania. The specification establishes requirements for testing all newly constructed or repaired manholes using the negative air pressure (vacuum) test method in compliance with ASTM C1244 standards. The contractor must provide all necessary labor, equipment, and materials to conduct vacuum testing after complete manhole assembly, including vacuum pumps, testing bases with compression band seals, calibrated vacuum gages, plugs, shutoff valves, and stopwatches. Prior to testing commencement, the contractor must submit testing procedures, equipment lists, testing sequence schedules, water disposal provisions, and equipment calibration certifications. Testing must be performed with the manhole frame in place and pipes securely plugged and braced, with vacuum drawn to 10 inches of mercury. The allowable test duration varies by manhole diameter: 60 seconds for 4-foot diameter, 75 seconds for 5-foot diameter, and 90 seconds for 6-foot diameter structures.
A manhole is considered acceptable if the vacuum drop does not exceed 1 inch of mercury during the specified testing period; any vacuum drop greater than 1 inch of mercury indicates the manhole has failed and requires leak location, repair with non-shrink grout, and retesting. All visible leaks must be repaired regardless of leakage quantity, and manholes must be retested following any repairs until results meet the established criteria. The specification does not address pricing terms, set-asides, or specific funding sources within its scope; these elements are contained in the broader bidding documents for the contract, which were to be received online by West Manchester Township by 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
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Text version
33 05 05.36 - VACUUM TESTING
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 33 05 05.36 - 1 007297.0444
SECTION 33 05 05.36 - VACUUM TESTING
PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 SUMMARY
A. Section Includes: Vacuum testing of manholes.
B. Related Requirements:
1. Section 33 05 61 - Concrete Manholes and Inlets: Requirements for sewage and stormwater manholes and inlets.
1.2 REFERENCE STANDARDS
A. ASTM International:
1. ASTM C1244 - Standard Test Method for Concrete Sewer Manholes by the
Negative Air Pressure (Vacuum) Test Prior to Backfill.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
A. Section 01 33 00 - Submittal Procedures: Requirements for submittals.
B. Submit following items prior to start of testing:
1. Testing procedures.
2. List of test equipment.
3. Testing sequence schedule.
4. Provisions for disposal of flushing and test water.
5. Certification of test gage calibration.
C. Test and Evaluation Reports: Indicate results of manhole tests.
1.4 REQUIREMENTS
A. Test all new manholes for exfiltration utilizing the vacuum test method and equipment developed by NPC Systems, Inc., Milford, NH, or approved equal.
B. Provide the necessary labor, equipment or materials to conduct the vacuum test.
C. The testing shall be done after complete assembly of the manhole.
D. Plug the pipe openings, taking care to securely brace the plugs and the pipe.
E. If the manhole fails the initial test, the Contractor shall locate the leak and make proper repairs. Leaks and lift holes shall be filled with approved non-shrink grout.
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 33 05 05.36 - 2 007297.0444
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 VACUUM TESTING
A. Equipment:
1. Vacuum pump.
2. Vacuum line.
3. Vacuum Tester Base:
a. Compression band seal.
b. Outlet port.
4. Shutoff valve.
5. Stopwatch.
6. Plugs.
7. Vacuum Gage: Calibrated to 0.1 in. Hg.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Section 01 73 00 - Execution Requirements: Requirements for installation examination.
B. Verify that manholes are ready for testing.
C. Verify that manholes are backfilled.
3.2 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Section 01 40 00 - Quality Requirements: Requirements for inspecting and testing.
B. Manhole Testing:
1. Repair both outside and inside of joint to ensure permanent seal.
2. Test manholes with manhole frame set in place.
3. Vacuum Testing:
a. Comply with ASTM C1244.
b. Plug pipe openings; securely brace plugs and pipe.
c. Inflate compression band to create seal between vacuum base and structure.
d. Connect vacuum pump to outlet port with valve open, then draw vacuum to 10 in. Hg.
e. Close valve.
f. Manhole Test Duration in Seconds:
1) Manhole Diameter of 4 Feet: 60.
2) Manhole Diameter of 5 Feet: 75.
3) Manhole Diameter of 6 Feet: 90.
g. Record vacuum drop during test period.
h. If vacuum drop is greater than 1 in. Hg during testing period, repair and retest manhole.
i. If vacuum drop of 1-inch Hg does not occur during test period, manhole is acceptable; discontinue testing.
Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. 33 05 05.36 - 3 007297.0444
j. If vacuum test fails to meet 1-inch Hg drop in specified time after repair, repair and retest manhole.
4. If unsatisfactory testing results are achieved, repair manhole and retest until result meets criteria.
5. Repair visible leaks regardless of quantity of leakage.
END OF SECTION
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