Manholes are like secret doors of underground. It gives access to pipes for checks and fixes. You’ve seen them – those round lids on paths and streets? 

They’re there to keep us safe, stopping us from falling in and keeping the wrong people out. Manhole covers might seem ordinary, but they’re super important! They help our water and sanitation systems work smoothly, yet we often overlook their significance in our daily hustle.

Manhole cover manufacturers in India are providing manhole frames, manhole covers, cast iron valve boxes, surface boxes, etc that are required to enhance construction infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll discuss types of manholes and their different applications that help you to understand every single manhole and its covers. 

Importance Of Manhole Cover

Before we dive into the types of manhole cover, let’s understand the importance of manhole or recessed cover. Manholes are like secret passages underground, connecting pipes for water or sewers. They’re everywhere, hidden beneath streets and sidewalks in cities. These holes need covers to keep things safe and tidy. But making them isn’t easy; it takes lots of smart designs and cool tricks. 

They come in different shapes and sizes for different jobs, keeping people and things from falling in and stopping anyone who shouldn’t be there. Technology helps make them stronger and better. The experts who make these covers say it’s smart to change them sometimes, so everything stays safe for cars and people walking around. Manhole covers might seem simple, but they’re superheroes underground, protecting our streets!

Types of Manhole 

If you are searching for appropriate manhole covers or manhole frames, you need to know about manholes.  There are three types of manholes – normal, shallow, and deep. Manholes are differentiated based on their intended purpose and the size of the sewer or drainage line they serve. They come in various materials like concrete, cast iron, and plastic to suit different applications. Here are the main three types of manholes.

• Normal Manholes

They are typically around five feet deep and are commonly located in sewage or drainage systems, featuring a sturdy lid in square or rectangular shapes.

• Shallow Manholes

They range from two to three feet deep, and serve as inspection chambers usually found at the beginning of sewer passages or low-traffic areas. They have lighter lids for easier access during maintenance.

• Deep Manholes

They are deeper than 150 centimeters and are equipped with heavy covers and integrated ladders for personnel entering or exiting. These manholes facilitate access to deeper infrastructure and are built with thicker covers for added safety. 

Types of Manhole Covers

Very few people are confused between the concrete manhole cover vs. cast iron manhole cover. On this note, you need to know the types of manhole covers. 

• Ductile Manhole covers

Manhole covers are typically crafted from ductile iron (also known as SG iron) or nodular iron, a distinctive type of iron. The quality of this iron depends on its nodularity, determining whether it’s of high or low quality. Ductile iron covers are recognized for their sturdiness, resilience, strength, and ability to handle heavy-duty tasks. 

They tend to resist corrosion better than cast iron, thanks to a surface coating of anti-rust asphalt paint applied by manhole cover manufacturers. 

• Recessed Manhole Covers

Recessed covers are specifically designed for sunken areas, ideal for creating smooth surfaces like block paving or cement, often adding a layer of screed for a polished appearance in walkways. 

These covers come with diverse features and uses, particularly suitable for internal manholes in hospitals, cast iron workshops, and residential areas like apartments and home gardens. Their load-bearing capacities adhere to FACTA manhole regulations in India.

• Solid Top Manhole Covers

Solid top manhole covers are crafted to stand out on the ground, typically made from lighter galvanized steel featuring a non-slip surface. These covers are commonly placed in spots requiring frequent maintenance checks and safety inspections. 

They’re preferred for lighter usage, fitting seamlessly with the ground level and including inset handles for easy access. 

Applications Of Different Types Of Manhole Covers

Manholes serve as safe access points to sewage systems. It is crucial for maintenance and emergencies. They protect roads from flooding during heavy rains by preventing water accumulation, which could otherwise make roads dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, manhole covers prevent accidental falls into openings, and contain unpleasant odors and dangerous glass, safeguarding people and animals. 

Manufacturers prioritize making these covers heavy to deter theft, yet they utilize magnetic technology for easier lifting using cranes rather than manual methods. Choosing the right manhole cover is essential, as different areas require specific types based on functionality. For instance, recessed covers suit residential and service industry projects, while ductile iron covers are more suitable for areas like airports and roads, which need durability against heavy traffic. 

Final Words

If you are struggling to choose the right manhole covers and want to know how to choose the right manhole covers, you can contact Govind Steel to guide you by understanding your choice. 

We offer a wide range of manhole covers in various sizes, strengths, and load capacities to meet global customer demands.