Like any other system, the sewer system needs maintenance. This is one of the services provided by a sewer manhole. Another service is the inspection of the sewer. Inspections ensure that everything is working properly and that there’s nothing in the sewer that doesn’t belong, such as the Fluke Man from the X-Files.
Usually, sewer manholes are found on branch sewer lines. These lines take waste from lateral sewer lines that serve homes, offices, or other buildings. The distance between manholes is usually between 260 to 330 feet if the branch line runs straight. There might be more manholes if the lines are angled and thus more susceptible to blockages.
The Manhole Itself
A manhole is usually made of concrete. Most are between four and five feet deep and wide enough to accommodate one worker. A manhole often resembles a very large thermos or milk bottle. As such, it has a chimney, which is its “neck,” and a barrel, which is the widest part of the manhole. The cone is between the chimney and the barrel. The manhole’s mouth extends up to ground level. When the manhole isn’t in use, the mouth is covered by a heavy plate made of cast iron.
The ring around the manhole helps it fit snugly into the mouth of the manhole and ensures that the cover is flush with the ground. Some of these plates have decorations that are meant to delight the eye. Whether decorative or not, manhole covers keep trash out of the manhole and are often tough enough for vehicles to drive over them.
What’s Inside the Manhole?
To enter the barrel of the manhole, you may need to climb down a series of steps that are attached to the manhole’s inner wall. Alternatively, people may also use ladders to get in and out of a manhole, especially if it is deeper than five feet.
What’s at the Bottom of the Manhole?
When you climb down into the manhole, you eventually find the bench, which is a concrete structure situated between the manhole’s wall and the sewer pipes. Repair personnel can stand on this bench while they work, but the bench’s main purpose is to prevent sewage from backing up into the manhole.
The channel is also located at the bottom of the manhole. As its name suggests, it’s a conduit that directs sewer water from the manhole’s inlet pipe to its outlet pipe, or gravity sewer.
Contact Us if You Want to Learn More About Manholes
Sewer manholes ensure that wastewater flows properly and does not overwhelm either private or public plumbing systems. If you need plumbing service or want to know more about sewer manholes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our professionals at McHales of Levittown, PA.
