ISO 23711:2022

Overview

ISO 23711:2022 - Elastomeric seals - Requirements for materials for pipe joint seals used in water and drainage applications - Thermoplastic elastomers - specifies material requirements and test methods for moulded seals made of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) used in non‑pressure water, drainage, sewerage and rainwater piping systems. The standard covers seals for indoor wastewater discharge (intermittent flow up to 95 °C), underground drainage and sewerage (continuous flow up to 45 °C, intermittent up to 95 °C), and rainwater systems. It also gives general finished‑seal requirements and points out that joint performance depends on seal material properties, seal geometry and joint design.

Key topics and requirements

ISO 23711:2022 defines classification, testing and quality requirements for TPE pipe joint seals including:

• Material classification and hardness ranges (nominal IRHD classes).
• Dimensional tolerances and workmanship criteria referencing ISO 3302-1 and ISO 9691.
• Mechanical and physical tests: tensile strength and elongation (ISO 37, measured in two directions), hardness (ISO 48‑2 microtest), and compression set (ISO 815‑1/2 including low temperature −10 °C).
• Ageing and durability: accelerated ageing in air (14 days at 80 °C per ISO 188), stress relaxation in compression (ISO 3384‑1), and a new stress fall test procedure (per ISO 6914).
• Environmental resistance tests: ozone resistance (ISO 1431‑1), volume change in water, and liquid resistance where applicable (ISO 1817, oil change for specific types).
• Requirements for test piece preparation, conditioning and test temperatures; quality assurance, storage, designation and marking.

(Exact numerical acceptance criteria are given in the standard’s tables and are used for conformity and type approval testing - consult ISO 23711:2022 for those values.)

Applications

ISO 23711:2022 is directly applicable to:

• Manufacturers of TPE seals and moulded elastomeric components for plumbing and drainage systems.
• Product designers and system integrators specifying reliable pipe joint seals for wastewater, sewerage and rainwater systems.
• Test laboratories performing material qualification and type approval.
• Specifiers, regulators and procurement teams requiring standardized material performance for non‑pressure piping joints.

Related standards

Normative and referenced standards include ISO 37, ISO 48‑2, ISO 188, ISO 815‑1/2, ISO 1431‑1, ISO 1817, ISO 3302‑1, ISO 3384‑1, ISO 6914, ISO 9691 and ISO 23529. These provide the test methods and tolerances cited by ISO 23711.

Using ISO 23711:2022 helps ensure consistent, documented TPE seal performance across water and drainage applications, reducing joint failures and supporting regulatory compliance.