There are 20 million manholes in the U.S. and thousands of manholes throughout Delaware (45,000 in New Castle alone). Still, we don’t give them much thought until there is a problem.   Manholes have existed since before the Civil War and have seen the evolution of the streets around them from brick to pavement.  Inspections must be performed to ensure aged materials are cared for or replaced.  When manholes fail, it creates a host of problems.

Cities and Towns across the United States rehabilitate thousands of manholes each year. The type of rehabilitation required is different in almost every scenario. Before performing the repair, fundamental questions must be answered to reveal the best possible solution:

• What is the substrate condition? Its tensile strength? Is the concrete flaking off?
• What are the infiltration issues? (at the chimney, the Mainline Connections, or Joints)?
• What is the impact on the area? (noise, vibration, dust)
• What gases are coming from the manhole? (hydrogen sulfide)?
• What are the material requirements (adhesion, abrasion)?
• What are the application conditions (dust, water, small spaces)?

In situations where the manhole is in fair condition but has several leaks, SPS would recommend Curtain Grouting.   Sealing the manhole with Acrylamide Grout creates an external barrier around the manhole, effectively protecting it from infiltration for years to come.  To view an example:  

Standard Pipe Services will perform a detailed analysis to determine the conditions of the manhole and then present different types of rehabilitation methods for the best results.

Cementitious Lining

Cementitious Lining Is the most common type of repair in the area.  Cementitious Lining is used with brick manholes or manholes precast with concrete deterioration.  This method typically requires minimal surface preparation beyond high-pressure cleaning.   SPS usually relines manholes with a Calcium Aluminate containing fiberglass flakes.  This material helps reduce corrosion and increase structural integrity.  Manholes are lined using a spin cast machine or sprayed by hand inside the manhole.  Thickness varies depending on the job and the amount of deterioration. It should be noted manhole benches and inverts pool the most sewage, causing them to be extraordinarily deteriorated and need cementitious repairs.

Epoxy Lining

Epoxy Lining is an attractive method due to its attributes.  The material is excellent in areas with high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide or active infiltration into the manhole.  Epoxy can be hand or spray applied depending on the restrictions on movement in the area.  Another benefit of Epoxy relining is the structural integrity of the manhole.   Depending on the number of cracks, voids, or other challenges,  SPS may recommend installing cementitious backing before the final epoxy coating.

Frame and Cover Replacement

With wear and tear manhole covers may break or become loose, creating infiltration issues into the manhole.  Many manholes with severe deterioration will require new manhole rungs.

Raise Manholes to Grade

Manholes are often paved over and forgotten about. Eventually, requiring the manhole chimneys to be raised.

WrapidSeal Encapsulation Installations

Standard Pipe Services manhole crews are trained to install the WrapidSeal Encapsulation System specifically engineered primer and wraparound sleeve that seals joints to prevent groundwater from penetrating collection systems.  WrapidSeal contains a polyolefin backing and fast-acting heat-activated adhesive, which bonds effectively to form a barrier against corrosion.  WrapidSeal is an excellent solution for the new construction and rehabilitation of manholes and prevents infiltration. 

Rebuild Manhole Channels

Manhole channels are where incoming and outgoing pipes sit.  Channels are formed using half pipe, which creates an unobstructed flow through the base of the manhole.  Standard Pipe Services offers full-service structural design rebuilds as a repair and replacement solution. For example, SPS can replace or remove ladder rungs, protect against water infiltration, repair and seal major cracks, remove debris from benching and channel,  and reshape or restructure the channel.

Chimney Seals

Standard Pipe Services installs chimney seals that act as a gasket seal to prevent water infiltration.  Leaks are often detected between the joint and frame; however, this section is usually not included in rehabilitation; unless SPS is on the job.  It is our goal to present every practical solution to completion.

Standard Pipe Services (SPS) implements trenchless technology for all pipe rehabilitations.  Pipe rehabilitation is the repairing or replacement of the underground network of sewer and water pipelines.  To quote or blog on trenchless technology:

Trenchless Technology incorporates several pipe rehabilitation methods with little to no digging and is eco-friendly. It is, as it sounds, ‘trenchless’. Trenchless technologies offer quick, cost-effective solutions for repairing or replacing pipes and manholes while featuring non-disruptive strategies. 

By cost-effective, trenchless doesn’t save pennies – it is about HALF the cost of digging up lines under the pavement or surface. Before trenchless technology, you would have to replace more of your sidewalk, driveway, decorative pavers, or cobblestone. Trenchless is a considerable money saving. Most trenchless repairs take one day and a few workers. But this is not every case. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.  You may also find helpful answers in our Blog or FAQ.