Leaky manholes are often some of the biggest culprits of infiltration and inflow issues. But an innovative new product, developed in partnership with sanitary district professionals, prevents inflow and lubricates manhole covers for easier removal. Hercules, a part of the Oatey family of companies, recently announced the launch of Shutout, a nontoxic, universal manhole sealant and lubricant that reduces inflow and makes manhole maintenance easier.

Shutout offers an added maintenance solution to significantly reduce inflow and compensate for the shortcomings of existing products. It’s applied to manhole frames to create a perfect seal, enabling airtight and watertight frames and cover interfaces. According to Kylie Schoppe, senior channel marketing manager, wholesale for Hercules, Oatey developed the product in partnership with contractors from the Truckee (California) Sanitary District, who approached Oatey with the idea that Oatey’s pipe thread compound may prevent this problematic inflow when applied in a manhole frame. Oatey partnered with the Truckee team to refine and develop its existing compound to serve this unique purpose. 

“Inflow results in oversized conveyance, pumping and treatment infrastructure, and higher capital and operating costs,” Schoppe says. “In addition, it inevitably increases the incidence and severity of sewer overflows and backups. Shutout helps reduce inflow and the likelihood of sanitary sewer overflows.”

Shutout adheres to dry, wet, hot and cold surfaces, offering optimal protection in both freezing and high temperatures. In addition to inflow reduction, it promotes ease of use for waterworks contractors and municipalities. Using it requires no additional training and Shutout only takes a couple of minutes to apply, including preparation and cleanup. Applied with a caulking tube, it can be easily transported for use as part of regular operations and maintenance activities. It also makes it easier to open manhole covers, providing lubrication that prevents rust and corrosion between the two metal surfaces, thus decreasing the force required to open the cover.

The universal, cost-effective, job site-ready product is compatible with most existing manhole installations (including those with and without gaskets), eliminating the need to replace an entire manhole. Shutout prevents inflow upon initial application and should be monitored for reapplication as needed.

“Users have mentioned that because the product is nontoxic, they don’t have to deal with any hazards/waste issues,” Schoppe says. “Meanwhile, it works better than anything else because it fills the voids.” 800-203-1155; www.oatey.com