Maintaining and servicing manholes and sewer mains is a critical responsibility for sewer cleaning professionals. For service plumbers who typically don't deal with manholes or sewer mains on a day-to-day basis, it is essential to understand the unique challenges they pose.

This article provides some advice for service plumbers, specifically those who usually encounter manholes and sewer mains as part of jobs on commercial properties with private manholes. It delves into the necessary tools, knowledge, and techniques for efficient and safe servicing.

Tool requirements

Manhole picks: 

For service plumbers unaccustomed to working with manholes, having the right tools is crucial. Manhole picks are an indispensable tool that enhances the efficiency and ease of opening and closing manhole covers. These specialized tools provide a secure grip on cover edges, enabling service plumbers to remove and replace manhole covers without straining themselves or risking injury. The last thing you want to do is grab the digging bar, shovel and a helper to persuade the manhole cover to come off.

Fresh air ventilators:

While service plumbers may encounter manholes and sewer mains less frequently, it is crucial to be prepared for working in confined spaces. Fresh air ventilators play a vital role in supplying proper ventilation within manholes, ensuring the safety of workers. These portable devices effectively circulate fresh air and help maintain acceptable oxygen levels, reducing the risk of asphyxiation and other respiratory-related hazards. For service plumbers working on private manholes, fresh air ventilators can be crucial, as these manholes may not have built-in ventilation systems. And don’t forget your other PPE as well.

Safety considerations

Adequate training: 

As service plumbers may not often work with manholes and sewer mains, ensuring adequate training is even more crucial. All service plumbers involved in sewer servicing should receive comprehensive training on confined space entry and rescue procedures. This training equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify potential hazards, utilize safety equipment effectively, and follow appropriate protocols. Understanding the risks associated with working in confined spaces helps service plumbers mitigate potential accidents and injuries.

Protective gear: 

Cue the eye rolls from plumbers, but it is still worth noting. PPE is paramount for undertaking manhole and sewer main servicing. This equipment includes protective clothing, helmets, gloves, safety glasses, respiratory protection, and oxygen sensors. You should consistently wear and correctly use PPE, as it mitigates risks associated with exposure to toxic gases, chemicals, or physical injuries. Additionally, specialized PPE for working in confined spaces, such as harnesses or fall protection equipment, should be used all the time.

Communication:

Effective communication is vital when working in teams to service manholes and sewer mains. This is especially true for plumbers who may not often engage in this type of work. Maintaining constant communication among team members is critical for prompt coordination and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Reliable communication devices such as two-way radios or intercom systems help service plumbers stay connected, share updates, and respond to emergencies efficiently. You don’t want to be screaming to the guys topside asking for tools.

Sewer servicing tips

PVC piping for lower manhole piping: 

Accessing lower manhole piping can be a challenging task for service plumbers who typically don’t do this type of work. However, with private manholes commonly found in commercial properties, the use of PVC piping can provide a practical solution. By gluing a few sections of PVC pipe together with a 45 at the bottom, you can create an extension that reaches the lower areas of the manhole. This caveman technique allows for easier access to clean and inspect pipes without the need to physically enter the confined space, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. PVC piping's light weight and durability make it an ideal choice for dealing with private manholes.

Regular maintenance and cleaning: 

While you may primarily focus on commercial plumbing tasks, maintaining private manholes is equally crucial. Regular cleaning to remove debris, sediment, and potential blockages from manholes and sewer mains is essential for preventing sewage backups and maintaining the functionality of the entire system. Implementing a scheduled maintenance program that includes thorough cleaning, inspection, and maintenance routines helps identify early signs of issues, allowing for timely repairs and minimizing the risk of costly repairs or system failures.

Documentation and inspections: 

Also regarding maintenance plan offerings, comprehensive and well-documented records of manhole and sewer main servicing are essential for maintaining private manholes within commercial properties. Regular inspections of manholes, sewer mains, and associated components help identify early signs of deterioration, leaks, or structural problems, enabling prompt repairs and mitigation of potential hazards. Accurate record-keeping not only helps track maintenance activities but also assists in monitoring trends and planning future maintenance projects effectively.

For those of us who encounter manholes and sewer mains less frequently, it is essential to be well-prepared and equipped with the necessary tools, knowledge, and techniques. By implementing these comprehensive tips, you can confidently undertake manhole and sewer main servicing, contributing to a safe and efficiently functioning sewer network.

About the Author

Anthony Pacilla is a registered master plumber for McVehil Plumbing in Washington, Pennsylvania. He has over two decades of experience in the plumbing and HVAC trades and has a bachelor’s in business and economics from Thiel College.