BS EN 13598-2:2020

What is BS EN 13598‑2 about?   

BS EN 13598‑2 is the second part in the multi-series of documents that is applicable to the plastics piping systems for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage. 

BS EN 13598‑2 specifies the definitions and requirements for unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), polypropylene (PP) and polyethene (PE) manholes and inspection chambers intended for non-pressure underground drainage and sewerage systems, up to a maximum depth of 6 m from ground level to the invert of the manhole or inspection chamber. 

BS EN 13598‑2 covers manholes and inspection chambers, with bases having a flow channel and their joints to the piping system. Manholes and inspection chambers are intended to be used in pedestrian or vehicular traffic areas outside the building structure. 

Note 1: The intended use in underground installation outside the building structure is reflected in the marking of products by the application area code “U”. 

Note 2: Products complying with BS EN 13598‑2 can also be used in non-traffic areas. 

Note 3: Products complying with BS EN 13598‑2 can be installed in underground applications without additional static calculation. 

Note 4: The complete manhole or inspection chamber assembly can also include items that are not covered by BS EN 13598‑2 (for example near-surface or surface components). 

Who is BS EN 13598‑2 for?  

BS EN 13598‑2 on manholes and inspection chambers is relevant to: 

• Plastic pipe manufacturers  
• Manufacturers and suppliers of materials for manholes and inspection chambers  
• Pipe specifiers and installers  
• Civil engineers 
• Product design engineers 
• Contractors 
• Local authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 13598‑2?   

PVC-U, PE and PP plastic pipes are flexible, lightweight and corrosion-resistant piping products. 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.   

The tests described in BS EN 13598-2 are intended for use in private drains placed above the groundwater table in pedestrian areas, to a maximum depth of 2.0 m from ground level to the invert of the main channel. BS EN 13598-2 assists you in using a variety of technologies, such as extrusion, injection moulding, rotational moulding, low-pressure moulding, or fabrication. 

BS EN 13598-2 specifies recommendations for the appearance, colour, that may hinder conformance to these smooth, clean, and free from defects likely to prevent conformity.  

By selecting the right materials and fittings for manholes and inspection chambers in compliance with BS EN 13598-2, you can ensure that product failure is avoided and the 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 13598‑2:2020 supersedes BS EN 13598‑2:2016, which is withdrawn. Compared to the previous version, the main changes are listed below: 

• Test methods have been updated to the latest EN ISO Standards where applicable 
• Terms and definitions have been updated and explanatory diagrams are now included 
• Material durability test requirements have been included for riser, cone and telescopic adaptor components. The durability test method has also been updated 
• The permitted use of non-virgin materials has been clarified and a new Annex D included, with conditions and requirements for non-virgin materials 
• Fitness for purpose testing of factory-fabricated components is now included 
• The minimum marking requirement for components other than bases has been updated