Verify polyethylene lateral pipe specified for a microirrigation/drip job meets ASAE/ASABE S435.1 before purchase and installation.

Steps

1. Confirm ASAE S435.1 (reaffirmed 2020, originally Jan 2015) is the current applicable standard covering polyethylene pipe used for microirrigation laterals, developed jointly by the Irrigation Association's Drip Irrigation Tubing Standards Committee and ASAE's Subsurface and Trickle Irrigation Committee.
2. Request the manufacturer's documentation showing the specific pipe product was manufactured and tested to meet S435.1's requirements.
3. Distinguish this pipe-manufacturing standard from broader microirrigation system design guidance (e.g., ASAE EP405.1, Design and Installation of Microirrigation Systems), which covers allowable pressure variation and overall system design rather than pipe manufacturing specs.
4. Cross-check pressure ratings and pipe dimensions from the manufacturer spec sheet against the job's design pressure and emitter spacing requirements.
5. Retain the compliance documentation in the project file, particularly if the job is being submitted for a rebate program or agency approval that requires standard-compliant materials.