After discovering damage to a catch basin, manhole, or piping for sewers, it is important to alert the proper authority. Commonly it is the city that will call for a repair to be performed with proper approvals in place.

Tools and Equipment

Before anything can be repaired, service personnel will need access to the catch basin, manhole, and piping. To open the lid, a manhole cover hook is used (Figure 21) These hooks make opening a manhole much easier on a person’s back and easier to open a cover that may have become jammed with debris or deformed overtime.

Hand tools such as flashlights, shovels, and access rope will be essential in a tool kit for working on these components and should be part of a repair tool kit. A camera inspection can help locate where a fault has occurred, therefore camera equipment is an essential part of the repair process.

A manhole is considered a confined space and should only be entered by authorised personnel. (Figure 22) Depending on the type and size of catch basin, they too could be considered a confined space. If so, confined space equipment must be properly set up for any required repairs.

When entering a manhole or catch basin, the proper PPE needs to be considered. If the space has potential for any harmful substances, such as chemical cleaners, or sewage, appropriate clothing must be worn. A respirator may also be recommended depending on the condition of the air. (Figure 23) Before entering, check your personal protection equipment for tears in coveralls or gloves or any damage to your respirator or goggles and replace if any defects are found.

Isolation

Repairs on a manhole, catch basin, or sewer piping may require the isolation of system components. A drainage system has challenges when attempting to isolate its parts. Mainly, it is difficult to stop occupants from using their fixtures that are connected to a sanitary sewer. Steps can be taken to attempt to lessen their use by way of signs in large buildings and communication from building managers. Maintenance for storm systems is best done on dry days to eliminate rainwater from entering the system while performing maintenance tasks.

Manholes and catch basins can be isolated at the inlets and outlets, however, service personnel must take care when removing things like test plugs because there could be waste or rainwater building behind the plug.

Repair and Replace Components

Once a fault has been discovered, repair or replacement may be necessary. Since manholes, catch basins, and sewer pipe are installed in the ground often digging up the damaged component will be needed.

A manhole that is in the street can create a bump in the road that requires removal. A worker can chip up the concrete around the manhole or special equipment can be used to cut out the top of the manhole, replace it with a shorter piece, and the concrete that was removed when the top was cut out repoured around the manhole. (Figure 24) This scenario would require the cooperation of the city and permits in place before a repair can occur.

A catch basin can also be excavated with the proper equipment and replaced if a fault has been detected. The piping upstream of a catch basin will likely need to be cut to free the catch basin, then reconnected once the basin is replaced and

When damage has happened to the sewer piping, the city, town, or village will need to be involved in its repair. A camera inspection will help locate a fault and repairs can be done depending on the issue. If a small part of the sewer is back grading, that portion could be replaced. However, if there are multiple spots that are incorrectly pitched, the entire pipe may need to be removed and replaced. If cracks or corrosion has occurred, that pipe will also need to be replaced.

To clean a catch basin, carefully lift the catch basin lid and scoop out all debris. Using the shovel dig out any compacted soil inside the catch basin. Ensure that the catch basin drain is completely free of roots and debris. Discard debris, dirt, and trash where it can’t re-enter the catch basin.

Testing

In accordance with the NPC, any design, installation, extension, alteration, renewal, or repair of a plumbing system must satisfy the testing requirements. Before returning a system to service you must ensure that it is properly tested.

Return to Service

In accordance with the NPC, any design, installation, extension, alteration, renewal, or repair of a plumbing system must satisfy the testing requirements. Before returning a system to service you must ensure that it is properly tested.

After successfully testing the repaired or replaced components and before returning a system to service, it is always advisable to inform the occupants of a home or building. Once that is done, ensure that all equipment is cleared

Documentation

Whenever a repair is performed on a component a record should be made and kept on file. Basic information to be recorded should include the component location, the dates of inspection, conditions noted during the inspection, the dates a repair was performed, and notes on the repair performed.

The procedure and requirements for a certificate of approval or passed inspection can vary widely from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and with the type of structure. Some projects may require certification from the installer that the plumbing system functions according to the approved design.

Now complete Self-Test 6 and check your answers.

Self-Test 6

Media Attributions

• Figure 21. “Manhole cover hook” from Oatey is used for educational purposes under the basis of fair dealing.
• Figure 22. “Authorized worker entering a catch basin” by Washington State Dept of Transportation on Flickr is licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 licence.
• Figure 23. “Respirator” by Jcallah On Wikimedia Commons is licensed under a CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.
• Figure 24. “Repair of a manhole” by MTA Construction & Development Mega Projects on Flickr is licensed under a CC BY 2.0 licence.