Inspection chambers are integral to any drainage system. They act as an access point for drainage professionals to allow for:
- inspection and surveying
- essential repairs
- cleaning and maintenance
Without inspection chambers, pipe systems could be left to fall to rack and ruin and could need replacing much sooner than those with essential access.
As such, it is crucial to consider the needs of your site before you purchase and install an inspection chamber.
Here are 3 steps to ensure you choose the best inspection chamber for your project!
Step 1: Compile the needs of your individual project
Sections of pipework can be very different from one another and as such, the requirements of your inspection chamber will differ with them.
A one-size-fits-all approach will lead to purchasing inspection chambers that are not suitable for your project and can cause expensive delays on site.
You will need to carefully consider the following factors to choose the right inspection chamber for your specific pipework:
- Do you have adoptable or non-adoptable drainage installation?
- What is the proposed depth to invert from cover level?
- How many inlets do you have, and which angles are they positioned at?
- What are the outlet diameters and type?
- What material does the inspection chamber need to be made from?
Being conscious of these factors will guide you towards specific inspection chambers and will steer you from unsuitable choices: narrowing the field.
Step 2: Choose your shaft depth
Shaft depth is a crucial factor to consider when choosing your inspection chamber as they need to comply with building regulations.
Chambers should be installed at a depth that allows for access and cleaning but not be so deep that there is a risk to human life if a child fell in, for example.
| Width | Depth | Benefit |
| <300mm | 06m or 600mm | The non-man entry makes them perfect for use near domestic properties. |
| <450mm | 1.2m or 1200mm minimum. | Easily accessible for cleaning but dangerous for children. |
| Variable | Up to 6m or 6000mm | Man-entry is possible and people falling in may become stuck so you would also need a reducing ring to restrict the chamber opening. |
Step 3: Browse inspection chambers
Once you have an answer to the questions above, you will be able to narrow your choice of inspection chamber down much further.
This stops time from being wasted looking at unsuitable products, so you can focus on finding the best deal.
This allows you to then consider the specific shape of manhole inspection cover you would prefer or would be suitable for your site. For example, in high-traffic areas with large heavy vehicles, you might want to consider an iron or metallic recessed Pavior tray.
In quieter areas, with light traffic access, you could consider a round or square PPIC manhole inspection cover.
No matter your site requirements or pipe layout, there is an inspection chamber perfectly designed for your project. Using our three easy steps can help you find it!
