Sewer manholes: a review of species, their sizes and classification + what to look for when choosing

Modern sewer manholes are elements of engineering systems that provide protection for both underground networks and users. They are installed above drainage, rotary, collector, inspection and storage wells. Apply in arrangement of all types of underground communication facilities.

You will learn all about the types of hatches for arranging the sewage system and the rules for selecting them for their intended purpose from the article we have presented. We will talk about how to decide on a model depending on pedestrian and traffic loads. Based on our recommendations, you can easily find the best option.

Hatch classification options

The main central and household communications for various purposes are underground. For regular inspection, maintenance of proper order and scheduled repairs, they require convenient and safe access. It is provided by special wells with an external hatch.

According to the purpose of the products

The primary classification of hatches is carried out according to the purpose and directly depends on the type of pipes or cables that need protection.

In total, four main groups appear here:

• water supply network;
• rainfall;
• telecommunication complex;
• sewer drains.

Hatches of the first group carefully cover individual fragments and nodes of the heating main and water supply system. The depth of the viewing wells is 1-2 meters.

In the last century, only cast-iron hatches were used to seal the outlet openings. Now they are successfully replaced by lightweight structures made of modern polymer compositions and progressive composites.

In the well shafts of the cable alarm, the hatch has not one, but two covers - locking and protective. The first is made of lightweight steel and equipped with a reliable lock.The second serves as an external barrier for intruders to steal an expensive cable

For rainfall, a hatch is necessary in order to protect networks from intrusion. Collector wells storm sewer sometimes it reaches 6 meters in depth. In the mine are metal reinforcing elements that pose a threat to humans or animals in the fall.

To reliably close the opening of a storm well, hatches with covers made of the same material as the main drainage line are used.

The telecommunication complex - electrics, telephony, broadband Internet - provides for the use of hatches to protect valuable equipment and to protect the system from unauthorized entry by third parties.

Typically, such networks are equipped with lightweight plastic hatchesequipped with an advanced and reliable lid locking mechanism. Sewer pits are equipped with hatches with a cover. For the most part, they are used in the private sector, where a central sewage system is not available.

The hatch prevents leakage of unpleasant odors from sewage accumulating in a single place. Provides access to the cesspool workers engaged in pumping out cesspools. In such a situation, it makes no sense to splurge on an expensive cast-iron component. The budget plastic sunroof will quite cope with the task.

There is another version of the model called the revision hatch. It provides access to the main work nodes water supply systems and drainage. It is mainly located inside sanitary-hygienic premises under a bathtub or in a wall sheathed with plastic siding or drywall.

Hatches for various purposes are mainly produced in the form of a circle of standard size. This option is the most convenient and affordable. Revision models have compact dimensions and the shape of a rectangle or square

For more convenient recognition of the purpose of hatches, they are marked with an abbreviation in the form of letters.

Designations are decrypted very easily:

• AT - water module;
• G, PG - traditional / underground fire hydrant;
• TO - sewage production or household type;
• D - rainwater;
• HS - gas distribution network of local importance;
• GTS, MTS - urban telephone communication complex;
• MG - gas pipeline of the main type;
• T - phone;
• TS - heating system.

On some models of the hatch, the purpose is not reflected in letters, but in a characteristic pattern.

Varieties by size

Manufacturers offer round and square caps. Let's consider each of these groups in more detail.

View # 1 - round hatches

Round - a classic version of the protection of sewer wells from external penetration. They look neat and compact, fit comfortably into a mine and never fall inward, regardless of a possible reversal.

The operational load is distributed evenly over such a cover, and is not concentrated in separate areas.

With installation of round hatches over sewer well there are no problems, since the product can not only be brought to the installation site, but also rolled up. This is especially important when installation is not done by a team of workers, but by the owner of a personal site.

It is the most profitable for the manufacturer to produce sewer round hatches. They consume 40% less raw materials, and in terms of functions they are superior to square models in everything

View # 2 - square and original shape

Square hatches are not so widespread. Their price exceeds the cost of round analogs, because more raw materials are spent on the creation.

Putting them alone is quite problematic, especially when it comes to super-heavy cast-iron models. Bringing such a product yourself to the installation site is almost impossible due to too much weight.

Hatches of a specific form do not have mass distribution.Usually they are produced to order, taking into account the wishes of a particular client. First of all, they carry an aesthetic and design burden, giving the territory a specific, original and memorable look

The main disadvantages of square hatches are their vulnerability to increased external pressure and the risk of failure inside the well during diagonal overturning. It is this moment that seriously reduces the popularity of products and makes them unsuitable for installation in areas of heavy traffic flow.

By weight and application areas

Household sewer hatches by weight are divided into heavy ("T" -type) and lungs ("L" -type) This factor determines the conditions and areas of their application. Models of type “T” are installed on motorways, highways, inner-city roads and carriageways of yards. Pig-iron products of this category weigh 90-100 kg, composite - up to 45 kg.

Polymer, rubber and plastic products are not represented here and are categorically not suitable for working under conditions of high mechanical load.

For a more complex operating framework, enterprises produce special high-strength and hardy hatches weighing about 150 kg, capable of withstanding pressure of about 40 tons. They are marked with the abbreviation "TM" and mounted on highways with heavy traffic or at airports

"L" -type of the product is suitable for installation on sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, in park areas and other places inaccessible to the movement of cars and trucks.

In cast iron complexes, the weight of the lid ranges from 55-90 kg. For polymer-composite parts - 45 kg, for polymer - from 12 to 15 kg.

Types of hatches by material

The following materials are suitable for the production of modern sewer manholes:

• high strength gray cast iron;
• plastic;
• polymer-sand mixture;
• composite composition;
• rubber;
• concrete / reinforced concrete.

Products in many ways differ significantly from each other and are intended for different purpose use. The manufacture and appointment of models is regulated by current SNiPs and GOSTs.

Features of cast iron hatches

For the manufacture of hatches, dense gray cast iron of the SCh20 class is used. This composition is an alloy of carbon, iron and graphite inclusions of different structures. It is characterized by good strength, is not afraid of mechanical damage, and easily tolerates intense global and local loads.

Until recently, cast-iron hatches stood in almost all wells, regardless of the type and type of communications. Now the situation has changed and heavy cast iron has been actively replaced by polymer, composite and plastic models.

The cast iron hatch is characterized by high working and physical properties. During operation, it retains its original integrity, does not break and does not crack under the influence of an aggressive environment.

Among the most useful characteristics of heavy, solid models are the following items:

• service life from 30 to 100 years;
• maintaining the integrity of the structure and rigidity of the structure throughout the entire life cycle;
• neutrality to temperature changes, corrosive manifestations, humidity and other climatic factors;
• record resistance to loads and the ability to withstand weight from 25 to 40 tons;
• hinged locking mechanism that negates the possibility of the lid flying out during the movement of the transport stream along the highway;
• the presence of a rubber pad in the kit to ensure absolute tightness of the internal communication systems.

Cons models also have. Cast iron hatches weigh a lot and this greatly complicates the process of transportation and subsequent installation. Solving the installation of such a part alone is extremely problematic.

You will have to spend a substantial amount on the purchase, many times higher than the cost of plastic and composite products.

On the cover of a cast-iron hatch, it is necessary to put a lock.Otherwise, they might abduct her and turn him in for scrap. The communication network in such a situation will remain unprotected and will be a source of danger to people and animals.

You can mount cast iron hatches everywhere, but it is most effective and expedient to include such elements in communication systems located at docks and airports, on busy highways, heavy parking lots, caterpillar and other agricultural machinery.

In places with medium or low load, cast iron is completely optional. But if the owner still wants to do this, no one can forbid him.

Why are plastic products interesting?

Plastic hatches are made by injection molding of polyvinyl chloride. To enhance the working qualities, the composition is enriched with composite additives or equipped with fittings compatible with products. Models are not afraid of pedestrian loads. Usually located where there is no traffic.

Plastic hatches are environmentally friendly. Made from recycled materials, they do not emit harmful substances and aggressive compounds into the atmosphere. This makes it possible to use them in the immediate vicinity of residential buildings.

The main advantages of plastic hatches are light weight, intrinsic safety, independence from weather and temperature, long service life and reasonable cost. They put them mostly over plastic wells. There is only one minus - the impossibility of installation in the field of heavy traffic.

Polymer sand options

Sand-polymer models are produced by injection molding followed by hot pressing.

For their manufacture, materials such as:

• different fraction sand;
• thermoplastic polymer elements;
• persistent industrial dyes.

The creation process is built on the basis of advanced technological solutions and makes it possible to produce externally attractive, wear-resistant and durable products with minimal financial costs.

Separate models of hatches made of polymer-sand compositions are designed for the installation of a special locking device. This allows you to protect the unit from unexpected opening under the influence of any external reasons.

Polymer-sand hatches are marked in the form of the letter "L".

The size is determined by two indicators:

• 690x55 mm on the cover;
• 750x90 mm on the body;

The first number indicates the length along the diagonal, the second indicates the height. These parameters are considered optimal for communication networks for various purposes.

Lightweight hatches made of sand-polymer mixture have the following advantages:

• minimum weight compared to other similar products;
• low cost, allowing significant savings in the process of arranging communication networks;
• long operational period, which, according to the manufacturer, is about 50 years;
• elementary transportation and a simple installation process that does not require the involvement of additional labor or specific expensive equipment;
• resistance to aggressive manifestations of the environment, temperature extremes, peak heat / cold, direct sunlight, shock and other mechanical damage;
• neutrality in contact with alkalis, acids, alcohol compounds and technical oils;
• a variety of shapes, shades, designs and the external decor of the covers.

Another indisputable plus of polymer-sand details is safety. A piece of cast iron can be stolen at any time for the purpose of sale for scrap metal.

The polymer hatch in this regard is not in demand and will always remain in its place even in a remote unguarded zone that lies outside the control of private or state video surveillance.

A rich color palette provides the opportunity to choose a model in accordance with the surrounding landscape and landscape design of a house, city or park territory

Polymer-sand models can easily withstand loads of up to 3 tons. They are placed in places with medium or low traffic intensity. They are mounted in pedestrian and green areas, in internal car parks of cars, parks, squares and territories located near apartment buildings and private cottages.

Nuances of composite modules

Composite is a new innovative material. It differs in thermal activity and contains fiberglass, polyester resins, calcite and other specific additives. At a temperature of 100 degrees is subjected to hot pressing. As it cools, it hardens and acquires good strength characteristics.

The design of the composite hatch differs from analogues from other materials. In the area of ​​the lid there are drainage channels. During intense rainfalls, they cut off the flow of rainwater and prevent their entry into the well shaft.

Composite hatches withstand various loads, which depend on the product class: L - up to 1.5 tons, C - up to 12.5 tons, T - up to 25 tons, TM - up to 40 tons. And also reliably serve for 20 years or more . At the end of the operational period are recyclable.

The advantage of composite hatches is expressed in the following positions:

• optimal weight of the finished product;
• practical constructional device;
• rich tint palette;
• resistance to fading, temperature extremes, severe frost, heat, ultraviolet and chemical exposure;
• slow combustibility.

Elements from the composite serve for a long time and hardly wear out. They withstand mechanical loads of up to 40 tons, but cost significantly less than cast iron counterparts. Under the influence of intense heat they lose their stiffness and become viscous. At such a moment, traces of heels may remain on the hatches.

The specifics of rubber products

Rubber sewer manholes perform the same functions as other products from other materials. But they have their own specific qualities and characteristics.

They are made of rubber, plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers and additional substances. After volcanic treatment, this mixture turns into a durable hatch, resistant to wear, and easily tolerating contact with oils, acids and alkalis.

Rubber hatches can withstand mechanical loads of up to 12.5 tons without problems, tolerate aggressive climatic conditions and maintain basic physical properties in temperature conditions from −40 ° С to +50 ° С

Among the main advantages of rubber products:

• light weight;
• immunity to corrosion;
• resistance to cracking;
• convenient transportation;
• simplified installation process;
• the ability to install directly in hot asphalt;
• more loyal value compared to cast iron counterparts.

Rubber hatches are suitable for installation above plastic wellslocated in parks and green areas, on sports grounds, car parks, sidewalks and roads with weak traffic.

Concrete covers

Reinforced concrete hatches for sewer networks are used extremely rarely due to an excessively large mass, a problematic installation.

The main advantages of concrete models:

• uniform density;
• strength and durability;
• resistance to destructive processes.

Most often, such products are used where the mouth of the outlet well has non-standard dimensions.

Heavy concrete structures of sewer covers are often installed in areas where regular theft of cast iron manholes is observed. Such a product is not of interest - it is not needed at the scrap collection point

Rules for choosing sewer manholes

Choosing a hatch for drainage, storage and viewing sewer wells, first of all, you need to pay attention to the form. If the outlet of the communication system is in the form of a circle, a round part will be required for it.It is better to close a square or rectangular hole with an element of the same shape.

Modern industry offers sewer manholes with an original pattern on the lid. They not only perform the function of protecting internal communications, but also act as the original design element

When the hatch is planned to be placed in a place subject to severe mechanical stress, it is worth choosing a model of cast iron. It will cost more than composites and polymers, but will last longer and withstand the constant pressure of passing heavy trucks.

For the conditions of private home ownership, spending money on such a hatch is not necessary, even if the owners have a heavy truck. One-time trips will easily transfer both composite and polymer analogues.

In the immediate vicinity of residential buildings with low traffic density, it is better to install composite or polymer hatches. They have soundproofing properties and do not make harsh sounds when a car drives through them.

For installation in an open area, it is better to choose models equipped with a locking element. Which is able to protect the cast-iron hatch from theft for the purpose of subsequent sale in recyclables.

It is not possible to sell polymer and composite parts for the sake of profit, but they can be carried away by hooligans or teenagers. Therefore, such models will not be prevented by a reliable lock or lock.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video # 1. How to install a sewer hatch on the site yourself:

Video # 2. Strength testing of polymer and cast-iron sewer manholes:

Video # 3. What are the dangers of sewer hatches of foreign manufacture?

In choosing a suitable hatch, it is necessary to take into account its future location, the level of potential load and climatic conditions in which the operation will take place.

Ignoring any of these important parameters will negatively affect the purchase and it will not bring the desired results. A model that does not meet the general criteria will not cope with the task and will quickly fail. Owners will have to spend money repeatedly to purchase a more suitable product.

Please write comments, ask questions, post a photo on the topic of the article in the block below. Tell us about how you bought a hatch for arranging sewers in a suburban area. Share your own criteria based on which you made your choice.