BS EN 13598-1:2020

What is BS EN 13598‑1 about?   

BS EN 13598‑1 is the first part in the multi-series of documents that is applicable to the plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage. 

BS EN 13598‑1 specifies the definitions and requirements for ancillary fittings and shallow chambers installed underground in non-pressure drainage and sewerage systems and manufactured from unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP), polypropylene with mineral modifier (PP-MD) or polyethylene (PE) intended for use for: 

• Non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage outside the building structure (application area code “U”), and 
• Non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage for both buried in ground within the building structure (application area code “D”) and outside the building structure. 

BS EN 13598‑1 also covers the jointing of the ancillary fittings and shallow chambers to the pipework system. The ancillary fittings covered by this standard are the following: 

• Sealed access fittings 
• Rodding point covers 
• Rodding tees 
• Mechanical saddles 

Note: Products complying with this document can be used with pipes, fittings and other components conforming to any of the plastics product’s standards listed in Clause 2, providing their dimensions are compatible. 

Note: Products complying with this document can be installed in underground applications without additional static calculation. 

Who is BS EN 13598‑1 for?  

BS EN 13598‑1 on plastic piping systems is relevant to: 

• PE, PVC-U, PP plastic pipe manufacturers  
• Ancillary fittings and shallow chambers manufacturers 
• Pipe specifiers and installers  
• Civil engineers 
• Product design engineers 
• Contractors 
• Local authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 13598‑1?   

PVC-U, PE and PP plastic pipes are a flexible, lightweight and corrosion-resistant piping product. These benefits make it an ideal piping material for a broad variety of applications such as potable water service or distribution lines, natural gas distribution, lawn sprinklers, sewers, waste disposal, and drainage lines.   

BS EN 13598-1 specifies recommendations for the appearance, colour, impurities and pores, as well as any other surface irregularities that may hinder conformance to these smooth, clean, and free of grooving and blistering conditions. 

By selecting the right ancillary fittings and shallow chambers in compliance with BS EN 13598-1, you can ensure that product failure is avoided and overall structural integrity of the piping system is maintained. This can ultimately prevent any potential hygiene and health risks. 

What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 13598‑1:2020 supersedes BS EN 13598‑1:2010, which is withdrawn. It also partially 

supersedes BS 4660:2000. Compared to the previous version, the main changes are listed below: 

• Test methods have been updated to the latest EN ISO standards where applicable 
• The scope has been amended to clarify the products covered in this part and avoid confusion with the scope of part 2 
• Terms and definitions have been updated and also now include the product diagrams 
• Dimensional requirements and mechanical characteristics tables have been updated and clarified 
• Annex A has been updated with requirements for the utilization of non-virgin materials for shallow chambers