Mechanical Seals for Sewer Pipes & Manholes

Pipe and manhole joints generally experience higher ground water pressure than the grade adjustment area of a manhole. When infiltration occurs due to deflection, offset or corrosion, the Internal Joint Seal is specifically designed to re-establish watertight conditions. 

Manholes are the principal means of access to the sanitary and stormwater collection system.

These structures are typically constructed with a narrow vertical chimney section that extends from the top of the manhole cone to the frame. To bring the frame casting to grade and provide the necessary structural support, courses of bricks, blocks, or riser rings are positioned on top of the manhole cone before the frame is set. This is referred to as the “grade adjustment” or “chimney” area of the manhole.

Over time, ground movement, thermal expansion and contraction of the surrounding pavement, freeze-thaw lift, and traffic loading can cause the “grade adjustment” bricks, blocks, and riser rings and their associated adhesive or mortar to deteriorate allowing subsurface water to enter the manhole. Depending on soil conditions and initial back-fill methods this water infiltration causes settlement, cave-ins, sinkholes, and street collapse as the surrounding soils and sub-grade materials flow with the water into the manhole.

Trelleborg FlexRib Manhole Chimney Seals are installed in new manholes to prevent eventual infiltration and to eliminate the infiltration into existing structures, which occurs during wet weather, between the manhole frame and cone through the “grade adjustment” area.