Most people see manholes everyday, even stepping over them while walking through a city or town. However, many people don’t understand what they are and why they’re there.
While most people won’t need to consider their use in their day-to-day lives, these holes are not just there for show! For those working in the building and maintenance of drainage/sewer systems, they provide a crucial purpose. That’s why at Cobro Concrete, we sell high-quality concrete products to ensure the durability and safety of manholes.
What is a Manhole?
A manhole is a hole in the ground that provides access to a drainage system. Most consist of a chamber, ring, pipe, and metal cover and are big enough to let a human through (hence the word ‘manhole’). They are often found on pathways away from roads so that no car drives over them, meaning no traffic disruption when workers need to access the hole. In this article, we’ll answer the question ‘What are manholes used for?’, as well as discuss why they are so critical to the drainage system’s infrastructure.
1. Cleaning
The drainage system underneath a city or town needs cleaning from time to time, and the only way to do that is to send workers down – a manhole ensures they can access the system quickly and safely. Often, workers will need to clear away overgrowth of vegetation or sediment to ensure the sewers can run as intended.
2. Inspection
Often, workers use manholes even when there isn’t a known obstruction. It is a part of regular drainage system maintenance and involves workers using the hole to enter and inspect the sewers. They might check for things like obstructions, cracks, and pollutants. The job is essential as it ensures the public’s health and safety.
3. Ventilation
Another use for manholes is ventilation. As you can imagine, the smells inside the drainage system are unpleasant, and the hole ensures they do not escape into residences. Not only that, but the ventilation from a manhole means workers down there won’t breathe in the sometimes-dangerous gases – instead, there is enough oxygen to breathe safely.
4. The Importance of a Quality Manhole
Learning about the purposes of manholes, you can see just how important they are. Providing access to drainage systems for both cleaning and maintenance means that the sewers can function properly, leading to the health and safety of the public.
Of course, quality is important. Every manhole should be secure, durable, economical, and corrosion resistent. Engineers have three options when choosing material for a manhole: concrete, plastic, and fiberglass. Concrete is generally considered the best option, as it’s the most durable material, often lasting over 100 years! There’s a reason concrete is as popular now as it ever was.
Install High-quality Concrete Manholes with Cobro Concrete
Are you looking for a concrete manhole engineered off-site and easy to install? At Cobro Concrete, we create high-quality manholes fit for purpose – get in touch if you have any questions about our products.
