Friday, March 29

What Are the Different Types of Manholes That Are Used Today?

Did you know, more than 18 million manholes pepper the surface of our county today?

Manholes provide sewage industry workers with an irreplaceable outlet to service our entire sewage system. The construction industry installs hundred every year to ensure our systems stay integrated and effective.

If you are planning a construction or maintenance project, it pays to familiarise yourself with the different types of manholes available. That way, you ensure sufficient access for any future works and prevent any unsanitary mishaps down the line.

Read on to learn about the most common types of manholes available right now.

What Is a Manhole?

Manholes are an essential part of the sewage industry. They offer access to the pipes and runways that drain sewage from our homes and businesses.

Where multiple sewage systems intersect, a manhole presents the opportunity to add or remove existing sewage pipelines from the overall system. Each manhole differs in its purpose of application. That’s why it’s so important to strike a difference between the main types of manholes.

Manholes continue to provide a front-line access point for sewer industry workers and their equipment. Keep reading to find out about the different types.

Manhole Classifications

Manholes come in three main classes. Let’s explore them here:

Normal

Normal manholes are usually around 1.5 meters in depth. Circular or rectangular, normal manholes are hard-topped and are typically found in the sewage or drainage water line.

Deep

Deep manholes are designed to serve industrial or commercial sewage systems. They typically range from 1.5 to 3 meters in depth, and are often equipped with ladder access.

Shallow

Shallow manholes are usually placed at the start of sewage conduit systems, or in low traffic areas. Their depth is between 50 – 100 cm. commonly referred to as inspection chambers, shallow manholes allow easy surveys of existing sewage systems.

Cover Materials

Manhole covers are removable lids that contain and protect the manhole itself. The best manholes have covers made from durable, reliable materials. Let’s check out a few common types:

Iron

Ductile Iron is a common manhole cover material. Ductile iron covers are robust, reliable, and reliant. Due to their integrity and rust resistance, they are commonly used in urban settings where wear and tear is an important factor.

Polymer Concrete

Polymer concrete manhole covers are both versatile and sturdy. The construction industry uses polymer concrete to provide a smooth transition between block paving, screed, or other aesthetic finishes and necessary sewage utilities.

Solid

Solid Manhole covers are made from stainless steel. They are usually installed in areas where frequent inspection and maintenance is required. They are also suitable for industrial use.

Types of Manholes Explained

So, that’s the 101 on the different types of manholes available for construction industry applications.

By searching the types of manholes on the market, you will be able to make the right choice for your next project.

Did you find this article informative? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for everything you need to know about construction, DIY, real estate, and more.