Pavingexpert - Drainage - Manholes and Inspection Chambers

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Connection Types Introduction

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Existing MHs MHs & ICs
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Adoptable MHs  
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 Introduction

This page examines how drainage fixtures and fittings are connected to an existing system via
manholes and/or inspection chambers.

Other pages detail Fittings and connections made via access chambers, branch junctions and
saddles.

Types of Connections

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There are 4 ways to connect new drainage to an existing system:-

1. - via a new branch junction or access chamber to an existing pipeline

2. - via a saddle onto an existing sewer
3. - via an existing manhole or existing inspection chamber
4. - via a new inspection chamber or new manhole

On this page, methods 3 and 4 are the main focus; methods 1 and 2 are looked at on the
Connections page.

Types of Chambers

Access chambers (as discussed on the

Connections page) are intended to provide
simple access for cursory inspection and access
for drain rods or other maintenance equipment.
They are not intended to provide access for a
maintenance operative and are generally not
more than 600mm deep.

Access Chamber - 225-300mm dia

Inspection chambers (often abbreviated to IC) are larger than access chambers, typically a
minimum 450mm diameter. Again, they provide access for maintenance equipment, but tend to have
more branches/spurs feeding into them and are often up to 1000mm deep.

....or they can be rectangular, usually with a concrete cover

ICs can be circular, usually 450 or 600mm diameter...

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Manholes (MH) are the largest chambers

providing access to a sewer or drain for
maintenance equipment, and, in some cases, for
operatives to enter the system itself. The
minimum internal dimensions of a manhole are
600x900mm and they can be of any depth,
although most modern manholes tend to be at
least 1 metre deep with inspection chambers used
for shallower depths.

Manholes tend to have iron covers 600x600mm

Working Safely
Note: Manholes and sewers are exceptionally dangerous places. Noxious gases
may be present that can injure and kill. It is most strongly recommended that all
work on live sewers is undertaken by drainage specialists who have successfully
completed a 'Confined Spaces' and/or 'Sewer Working' safety course rather than
diy'ers. Properly trained and accredited tradesmen will have certificates to prove
their competence. DO NOT TAKE RISKS.
See Working Safely page.

Connecting to an existing IC

Most properties built since the 1980's will have

circular inspection chambers at key points along
the drainage system, such as changes in direction
or junction. By removing the cover and checking
the internal layout of these ICs, it is a simple task
to ascertain whether there are 'spare' inlets
available which can be utilised to form the
required new connection. Any 'spare' inlets are
usually stoppered from the outside with a plastic
cap to prevent mud or debris from entering the
chamber from the outside.

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Any additional new drainage can be connected to

the system via one of these inlets provided that
the inlet is the same size or larger than the
pipework to be connected. Excavating outside the
chamber will expose the stopper cap, which is
then removed and the new pipework connected in
its place. In cases where the inlet is a larger
diameter than the pipework being connected, the
use of a taper pipe will allow the connection to be
made.
Typical plastic Inspection Chamber

Reflex Connection
One question which has been asked several times concerns connecting a new drainage point to an
existing IC where the direction of flow from the new is opposite to that of the existing. There seems
to be some sort of perception that connecting two pipelines that are effectively running in opposite
directions will cause all sorts of problems.

If the new line was brought in to the IC at 180° to the main direction of flow, this could, in certain
arrangements, lead to problems, but what happens in practice is that we construct what we refer to
as a Reflex Connection.

In essence, the line of approach of the new drainage is curved so that it comes into the chamber at
an angle of 90° or less. As usual, this is explained most easily using diagrams...

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The scenario is that a linear channel has been installed but the most direct route from the outfall of
the end channel to the nearest IC runs counter to the direction of flow in the existing line of pipes.

The solution is to introduce a bend or curve into

the line of pipes connecting the linear channel to
the IC so that the new pipe enters the IC at an
angle of 90° or less. By adding a curve to the line,
we are reducing a reflex angle (an angle greater
than 90°) to an acute angle (90° or less) and so
'easing' the inflow of collected water into the
main channel and the pre-existing direction of
flow.

The key feature is that the curve, created by using

bends, MUST be located immediately adjacent to
the IC.

A reflex connection from the rainwater downpipe

In theory, there would be no great problem in setting the bends some distance from the IC. A rocker
pipe of, say, 1m length could be connected to the IC and run out to the right before the bends
necessary to create the required angle of turn are fitted, followed by a straight line of pipes direct to
the linear channel outlet. However, this is not done in practice because once the whole lot is
backfilled and long-forgotten, some future investigation of the drainage system would assume
(quite reasonably) that the pipe line connecting the linear channel to the IC would take the most
direct route and that by digging at a point 1.2m or so to the right of the IC there would be no chance
of accidentally hitting a pipe.

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Installing a new Inspection Chamber

These polypropylene (PP) Inspection Chambers have a

diameter of 450-550mm and cost around £80. Raising
pieces are used to deal with deeper drains, up to a
maximum of 1 metre; anything deeper than 1000mm
requires a brick-built or concrete section manhole .

The 100mm types have 5 inlets and one outlet; unused

inlets are stoppered to prevent ingress of spoil. The
base unit should be laid on a 100mm thick bed of
concrete and the raising pieces checked for plumb
(verticality) before backfilling. If placed within a
driveway or other trafficked area, they should be
surrounded with 150mm of concrete all around to
prevent deformation, and a heavy duty cover used. The
chamber, or raising pieces, can easily be cut with a saw
to accommodate the frame for the cover at the correct
level.

Plastic inspection chamber showing base, raising

pieces and cover with frame

Inspection Chamber Base Unit

The base unit should be connected to the drainage system by means of rocker pipes, that is, short
lengths of pipe, 300-600mm in length that will allow some slight movement of the IC and/or the
rest of the drainage system without imposing and stresses onto the joints.

Details of how these pre-formed inspection chambers can be inserted into an existing line of
drainage using rocker pipes is given on the Connections page.

Connecting to an existing manhole

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Although pre-formed plastic manholes (much like larger, stronger versions of the ICs illustrated
above) are now becoming popular in the UK building trade, most existing manholes will be either
brick-built or constructed from pre-cast concrete (PCC) sections. With both of these types, it will be
necessary to break into the manhole to install a new connection.

Brick-built manholes typically have 215mm thick

brickwork, which can be difficult to break through,
unless a heavy-duty percussion drill is used.
Alternatively, it may be possible to 'stitch-drill' the
brickwork to make removal by hammer and chisel

considerably easier.
Stitch drilling

PCC manhole sections are usually only 50-60mm thick, although those built beneath vehicular
trafficked areas should have been haunched with mass concrete at least 150mm thick. It is best to
'stitch-drill' these sections to prevent fracture or spalling of individual sections. Use a 13mm
masonry bit to drill holes to the circumference of a circle with a diameter of (external pipe dia +
25mm) at 25-35mm centres. The concrete can then be broken out with hammer and chisel with no
danger of a catastrophic crack.

 
This idealised manhole is shown to
illustrate how the channels and benching
appear. Benching is the name given to the
infill concrete between the channels and
the brickwork. It is always raised and
shaped to prevent sewage or rats lodging
thereon.

Although the manhole depicted is brick-

built, the same principles apply to pcc
section manholes. Whenever brickwork is
used to construct a manhole, whether it is
beneath a vehicular area or just subjected
to foot traffic, it should be double-skinned
engineering bricks, 215mm wide.
Idealised cutaway manhole

This is our idealised manhole again, shown in plan

view. The direction of flow is towards the bottom of
the page, and a channel junction has been used to
collect from the inlet pipe on the right.

A new connection is to be made on the left hand side

of the chamber to collect from the soon to be
installed pipework that will connect to a new gully or
similar. A hole needs to be made through the
brickwork to allow the pipe into the chamber.

There are two possible ways of installing the new

branch to the manhole, depending on the type of
system. On a surface water system, a 'stepped invert'
connection is often permissible, but on foul or
combined systems, a 'flush invert' connection is
preferred. Both of these methods are outlined below.

Manhole in plan view

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A typical manhole prior to benching... ...and one that's just neen benched

Drop Shaft or Back Drop

Connection
In some instances, there may be a significant
level difference between the incoming pipe and
the invert level of the manhole. To
accommodate this, and to avoid having to
excavate to full depth for the incoming pipe, a
Dropshaft connection may be used.

The incoming pipe is projected through into

the chamber, to enable rodding and cctv
access, and then stoppered, as shown. A
Tumbling Bay Junction is used to divert the
flow downwards, through the vertically set
backdrop pipe(s) and then via the knuckle
bend to enter the chamber at invert level.

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Drop shaft connection courtesy of TDF Builders, Luton

Surface water systems - stepped invert

Over Benching
In a surface water chamber, it sometimes
acceptable (depending on Local Authority
Inspectors) to project the pipe into the chamber in
such a way that the bottom of the pipe rests upon

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the benching and the water is allowed to discharge

over the benching and into the open channel.

It is essential that the new connection discharges

its flow in the same direction as the flow of the
Over-benching branch

existing pipeline, and not 'against the flow'. channel
Over-benching connection

Stepped Slipper Bend Connection

Alternatively, the base of the branch channel is
allowed to sit on the lip of the main channel,
although the branch channel itself is cut to such an
angle that it does not project into/over the main
channel itself.

It may be possible to use a 'slipper' bend to form

this type of stepped invert connection.

Stepped Invert Connection

Stepped Invert Connection

New pipe brought into an existing MH as an over-bench connection which is yet to be benched.

The pipe entering from the left is a slipper bend stepped invert

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Once the branch channel or slipper bend has been positioned on top of the existing benching it
should be secured in place with a granolithic or waterproof mortar , smoothed and shaped to
eliminate any potential snags and sloped to avoid the formation of ledges. The pipe can then be
fixed in place and the hole sealed with the same mortar or a concrete.

Note the maximum measurement (150mm) given for the length of pipe outside the manhole. This is
known as a 'rocker' joint, and is intended to provide flexibility to accommodate any ground
movement. As the manhole chamber is essentially a solid mass held together by concrete, the rocker
joint ensures that small ground movements will not result in pipes being fractured or split. This
applies to both plasticware and clayware.

Foul/Combined systems - flush invert

For a manhole on a Foul system, or a combined system, the above method is not recommended,
primarily because it creates nooks and crannies where sewage may cling, and could, in some
scenarios, cause a blockage to the chamber.

It should also be noted that the warnings given regarding surface water manholes are even more
pertinent to foul systems, and it is strongly recommended that this work is done by competent and
properly trained tradesmen.

To connect to such a manhole, the bottom of the

incoming pipe, known as the 'invert level or IL',
must be as close as practicable to the invert level of
the existing channel. This can only be achieved by
either breaking out the existing benching on the
left-hand side of the idealised manhole to allow a
new 'branch channel', sometimes called a 'slipper
bend', to link the existing channel with the new
pipe, or by breaking out a section of main channel
and the benching to the left hand side and fitting an
appropriate branch junction. Flush Invert connection
via new branch junction
Flush invert - new branch
junction

In this scenario, the new pipework is bedded down on a strong mortar (1:3) within the cut-out
benching which then needs to be re-built. A granolithic mortar is normally used for this purpose,
but any depth of re-building greater than 30mm should be first built up with a semi-dry strong
concrete (1:2:4 or C20) and topped with a 30mm granolithic screed. The finished benching should be
smoothed with a steel trowel and should have a fall of not less than 1:30 towards the channels. It is
essential to ensure that there are no 'gaps' that would allow water to penetrate beneath the
benching. There should be no 'snags' or lips on the benching that may impede the free flow of
sewage.

Constructing a new manhole

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Access and inspection chambers are used when the

depth to the drain is a metre or less; for anything
deeper, something more robust is required.
The
most common forms of manhole construction are...

brick-built
sectional pre-cast concrete
sectional plastic
cast in-situ concrete around a plastic liner

For depths up to 2.7m, the minimum internal

dimensions for a rectangular manhole are
1200x750mm, although manholes with more than
3 branches may be even bigger. Anything deeper
than 2.7m is a major project best left to
professional drainage contractors.

Plastic Manhole by
Polypipe Civils Ltd.

Circular manholes are commonly used for main sewers; for depths up to 1.5m, they must have a
minimum diameter of 1050mm, and for anything deeper than 1.5m, the diameter has to be 1200mm.

This x-section shows a typical construction for
a manhole in a residential setting, such as
beneath a driveway. It depicts the two most
common constructions, using, on the left, pcc
chamber sections, and on the right,
Engineering brickwork.

The cover detail may be different for a

manhole within a trafficked area, or if a recess
tray cover for block paving was to be used.

The step-irons should be built into the

brickwork, or mortared into the pre-formed
holes in pcc sections.

Note the minimum permissible opening size of

any manhole is 600x600mm.
Manhole cross-section

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Manhole ring section with in-built steps

Rectangular and circular chamber sections of various sizes

Plan view of typical manhole with a single branch

oblique junction, again illustrating two construction
types.

The number of branches entering a manhole will

determine the length dimension. A manhole with
more than 4 branches may need to be longer to fit
them all in. Similarly, manholes utilising 150mm
diameter channels may need to be larger.

Full details of manhole dimensions are given in

BS8301:1985 Code of Practice for Building Drainage

If in doubt, consult Local Building Control Office.

Manhole in plan view

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Sectional concrete inspection chamber with crown unit and cover

Adoptable Manholes
Only properly trained and qualified construction professionals will be involved in the building of
these types of manholes, and the construction requirements are more fully detailed in the invaluable
groundworkers' bible , Sewers for Adoption 6th Edition 2006 published by the Water Research
Council [ISBN: 1898920028] and generally accepted as the definitive guide to sewer work.

There are several different types of manhole described in SfA4, to suit a variety of purposes and
conditions, but an idealised manhole construction is shown here to illustrate the basic concepts and
components. Not all features depicted will be found on all manholes.

Some definitions:

Shallow Manhole - a manhole that has a

constant diameter or same cross-section
throughout

Deep Manhole - a manhole with an access shaft

of a smaller diameter or plan size than the main
shaft

Cover and Frame - see table for guidance on

strength rating of various covers

Seating ring - sometimes used in place of

regulating brickwork between cover and
cover slab

Brickwork - only engineering brick should be

used, laid to English Bond

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Corbelling - the method of projecting

brickwork outwards to reduce an opening or to
carry a load. Each course should not oversail by
Idealised Adoptable Deep Manhole
more than 50mm
Cross-section
Cover slab - also known as a 'biscuit'. Best
thought of as a 'lid' for the main shaft, with a
single access opening, minimum 600x600mm

Reducing slab - used to accommodate a change

in chamber diameter from a larger diameter
main shaft to a narrower diameter entrance
shaft

Straight back tapers - perform the same

function as reducing slabs, ie to accommodate a
change in shaft diameter, but without providing

a landing. Also known as 'Cone Sections'

Idealised Adoptable Manhole
Plan view
Landing Slab - used in Deep Manholes, these
limit the maximum shaft depth to 6 metres, and
may be thought of as shaft dividers, providing a
resting point or 'landing' at convenient intervals

Chamber sections - the individual sections used

to construct a sectional shaft. Obviously not
present with brick-built shafts

Soffit - the underside of a cover slab, arch or

other structure. Opposite of Invert

Benching - a smoothed concrete topping, usually

a granolithic mortar , sloping at not less than
1:30 and neatly shaped and finished to the base
of a manhole

Invert - the lowest point on the surface of a

pipe, channel or culvert

Rocker Pipe - a short length of pipe, usually less

than 1 metre, placed at the inlet/outlet of a
solid structure, such as a manhole or building,
to accommodate differential settlement between
the structure and the drainage system

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PCC Manhole components

Cover Slabs
Cover slabs are the 'lid' for many manholes, especially the larger ones. They are also known as
'Reducing Slabs', because they reduce the opening size or the chamber dimensions, and, on site,
they are affectionately referred to as 'biscuits' because that's the sort of humour that gets us sent to
serve in the trenches.

The basic role of a cover slab is to provide a firm platform to

both 'cap' the chamber and to carry the cover along with any
regulating brickwork . They are typically manufactured in a
high-strength, steel-reinforced concrete, and, for manholes, the
minimum opening size of 600x600mm is created within the
cover slab during the casting process. Although the vast
majority of cover slabs are supplied fully-cured from specialist
manufacturers, custom slabs may be cast on site and lifted into
position once cured, or, in certain cases, cast in-situ atop the
chamber itself.

A secondary role for cover slabs is to reduce the apparent size

of the chamber, so that, for example, a circular 1800mm
diameter chamber or a rectangular 1200x750mm chamber, can
be fitted with a standard 600x600mm cover at the surface.

These are heavy items, and they are generally fitted with two
or more 'lifting eyes', which are steel loops embedded into the

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concrete, that should be used to sling the biscuits from a crane

or excavator during lifting and placement.

The cover slab is normally mortar-bedded

onto the top of the chamber with the internal
face of the joint tooled smooth. When the
surround concrete is placed around the
chamber, it is brought up to be level with the
top of the cover slab, as shown opposite. The
regulating brickwork can then be built on top
of the cover slab and the cover and frame
fitted to suit the required level.

Class Test Typical Uses

Load

Manhole covers (tonnes)

A15 1.5 Pedestrian areas only

Car parks, domestic driveways,

B125 12.5 areas with occasional vehicle
Covers for manholes come in a wide variety of shapes, access
sizes and materials. The specification of manhole and
Carriageways if <500mm from

access covers for public areas is laid down in BS kerb face, car parks, service
EN124, which is summarised in the table opposite. C250 25 stations.
Domestic driveways and patios often have the Must be non-rocking/silent type
appallingly unattractive pre-cast concrete crown units Carriageways and hard shoulders.
D400 40
and covers, and most block paved areas now feature Must be non-rocking/silent type
recessed tray covers , fabricated from galvanised Loading areas, docks,
E600 60
steel. Over recent years, covers manufactured from commercial/industrial areas
new high-strength composite materials have started Exceptionally heavy loads, ports,
F900 90
to be used, primarily in pedestrian areas. airports

Table 1 - Cover Classification to BS EN124

Ductile and Cast Iron covers are

manufactured to conform to BS EN124 but
other materials, such as galvanised steel
or pre-cast concrete are not included
within the scope of that standard.
Manufacturers of galvanised steel covers
have formed a Trade Association (FACTA)
in order to impose some standards and

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quality into the market, but, at the time of
Cast and Ductile Iron Covers writing, there is no nationally or
internationally recognised standard.

Most covers actually consist of 2 components; the

cover itself, and a frame. The frame is typically bedded
on mortar to a specified height set to suit the
surrounding paving or ground level and the cover sits
inside the frame, from where it can be lifted and
possibly removed when access to the manhole is
required.

Manhole cover and frame construction

Many of the heavier units have the cover

are special cover-lifting contraptions now
Opening double-triangular cover with MH keys
itself split into 2 triangles, known as
'double triangular' format. The two halves
can be bolted together but are often left
unattached to facilitate easier removal.
Removal is achieved by the use of 'keys'
which fit into the eyes on the surface of
the cover, are turned through 90° and then
it's down to brute force, although there
available.

As mentioned above, many paving projects now

use Recess Tray Covers rather than the types of
covers illustrated above. Recess Trays can be
used with any type of paving, although they are
most commonly associated with Block Paving.

The uses, applications and fitting methods for

Recess Tray Covers are considered on other pages
of this website. Click here to access the
Introduction to Recess Trays page.

Other drainage pages

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Introduction
Draining Pavements
Threshold Drainage
Foul or Storm? Identifying your system
Laying Drainage
Connecting Additional Drainage
 - Inserting a new IC - Case Study
Manholes and Inspection Chambers
Wet Wells & Sumps
Gullies and Gratings
Testing Drains

Land Drainage for Fields and Gardens

 - Installing Land Drainage
Soakaways

Linear Drainage Systems

 - Installing Aco Drive Drain
Fin Drains and Composites

Gradients & Fall

Written Specification
Manufacturers and Suppliers Links

SUDS Pages
Introduction to SUDS
Installing an Attenuation Cell
SUDS Filter Drain for residential driveways and patios

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