We all have seen a manhole, and as the name suggests, it is supposed to be an access point to the sewer or even the storm-water line underneath the surface of the ground. Manholes are essential for regular inspections, repairs, and cleaning. Below are some of the quick facts you must know about manholes.

The purpose

Contrary to what many of us may believe, manholes are not used for inspections alone. Yes, these are required for cleaning and removing some of the unwanted things from the sewer and storm-water lines, but manholes are also important for ensuring ventilation below the ground. Besides allowing workers to work in a safer environment, ventilation also allows the gases to escape. At times, manholes are used for changing directions of storm-water line or align things as needed, especially when the lines are being expanded.

Where can you find manholes?

Keeping the primary functions of manholes in mind, these are usually found in a junction where two sewers meet. Usually, more manholes are created with time, so as to ensure quick access to the underground areas, but when there are alignment changes or other size changes in sewer and storm-water lines, more such access points can be added.

Types of manholes

The first kind is known as shallow manholes, which are not more than three feet deep, and then there are normal manholes, which can be around five feet deep. Any manhole that’s deeper than five feet is considered to be a deep manhole, and these usually have a ladder, to offer access to the concerned point.

Materials used

A manhole can be made from many different materials, depending on the requirements. With many changes in technology, many manholes are now being made of plastic polyethylene and fiberglass, which tend to have certain advantages over their concrete counterparts. Plastic manholes are made of polyethylene, and the design doesn’t have any seals or seams that may cause additional maintenance problems. These are often considered to be a better choice, as there are no risks related to contamination of the ground. Polyethylene is also resistant to corrosion too. Thanks to the developments in plastic production techniques, manufacturing manholes doesn’t have be expensive or complicated either, but a lot of it largely depends on the requirements.

Check online now to find more on manholes, and you can also find companies that specialize in creating manholes out of plastic and fiberglass.