Underground Drainage | Drain inspection

What do Inspection chambers mean?

Whether it is a new build or refurbished old property, inspection chambers are an integral part of the drainage system providing an access point to underground utility service. They are nothing but an access point to underground pipelines that enable maintenance and clogging of drainage. Because of this access point, it is easy to test, inspect, collect waste and clean, repair, and unblock the underground drainage. Having right drainage at your home will help you control the wastage water in compliance with sewage treatment plants.

Regular testing and cleaning blockage of the drainage inspection chamber is definitely going to help you avoid the huge cost of repair. It plays an important role in keeping domestic and commercial drainage downpipe in good condition.

What is the purpose of Inspection Chamber?

Inspection chamber or drainage chamber is an important part of any property’s drainage system. They serve the main purpose as follows:

• Drains can be cleaned, cleared, and inspected as needed
• These structures serve as temporary storage tanks, allowing excess liquid to accumulate in the drainage system rather than flowing out immediately
• In this way, unauthorised individuals without the appropriate qualifications are prevented from entering the drainage system.
• They help you filter out unnecessary waste from your drainage system.

Access Chamber

Access chamber is basically below ground-level structures that are built in line with the sewer or drainage through which a worker can enter and inspect the drainage system and the flow of water.

Installing access points (also known as Manholes) below ground allow inspection chambers specialists to inspect, clean, and repair underground pipelines in drainage. A manhole chamber (as name suggests) is an access point that allows the entrance of drainage workers physically into the underground systems. The more access points you have, the easier it will become to clean and maintain pipelines and clear any blockage that may occur coming from gutter or other sources, for example sewage.

They are temporary storage points for water tanks as these chambers allow water to build up in the system rather than push out straight away.

When and Where should you use Inspection Chambers?

The building regulation of UK governs the guidance on inspection, design, structure, and location of the manholes and sewage treatment plants. Inspection Chambers should be used when any of the following situations arise:

• At a point where the main drainage pipe and branch drainage pipe join
• When the piping is for more than 22 meters straight
• When the direction of the sewer pipe or drain changes more than 30 degrees horizontally
• When the size of the pipe changes

If you're trying to figure out when to install a drainage chamber, the best rule is to always be able to reach every single part of your drainage system with a drain rod. 

The depth of the inspection chambers can be increased to 3m when used with a restricted access cover. Side risers as shown in the image above are used to increase the height of inspection chambers, these side risers can be cut down to sizes required to get a more accurate height.

It is advised to install the inspection chambers base on a suitable bed depending on the quality of the trench and the backfill material. 

Different parts of Drainage Inspection.

Inspection chambers are basically made of three main parts, a base, a riser, and a cover.

Depending on the manufacturer, they'll either be provided as an entire system or with every sectional component bought separately so you should purchase precisely what you need. The risers sit on top of the base, with necessary rubber seals (like push-fit connection ring) in the joints, and the cover sits in a body on top of the riser at ground level.

Inspection Chamber Base

This is obviously the bottom part of the inspection chambers that is located closest to the drains. Most bases are provided with multiple inlet valves which are either 100mm or 160mm diameter water pipe. Inlets are sealed with blanking plugs so that you can choose to remove plugs and leave the rest in place.

Inspection Chamber Riser

This is the middle section of inspection chambers that is located on top of the base. They both are joined together by fundamental rubber seals. The riser is designed in a many ranges of heights that will suit your build. They are connected to the base at the bottom part using drain pipes all the way back to the cover that is on the top surface. The height of Risers can be cut or adjusted as per your need.

Inspection Chamber Cover or Manhole covers

Typically, a manhole cover sits on a metal base, with a smaller inset rim that fits the cover. The cover of inspection chambers often called a manhole covers or access covers is used to prevent unauthorized access to the drainage and for other safety and maintenance purposes. They are available in a range of different sizes, materials, and weight load classifications to suit your build. This product is either made of cast iron style, concrete or a combination of both. They are strong, heavy, and can be kept in place without any need to move from the top of chambers.

Can You cover an Inspection Chamber ?

Yes. Inspection chambers should be covered at all times. They are often referred to as Manhole covers or access covers that comes with frames or caps.

It is advised to use manhole covers in order to prevent unauthorised entry to the channel drainage systems and for general safety purposes. If left open, there is high risk of blockage due to things falling inside, thus increasing cost of repair. High risk for any human or other life of falling inside and hurting themselves.

How deep should inspection chambers be installed?

Inspection chambers should always be installed deep enough to meet the Building regulations given by UK. This is important to remember and should be followed strictly in order to eliminate any risk or harm that may arise to humans or any other life. The depth usually depends on the size of the chamber. For example;

1. If you planning to install 300mm diameter drainage chamber, it should be at least 600mm deep.
2. If you looking for a bigger diameter, say 600mm, it should go to a depth of 1200mm.

If it goes any deeper, it would be nearly impossible to use a drain rod inside the pipe to clear blockages. Also, it would be a physical risk for any worker if there's no restricted access cover or if it’s left uncovered.

Choosing the right Inspection Chamber and pipe for your project

• When you planning to install the right Inspection chamber for your project, depth is the crucial factor that you need to consider first. 
• Along with it, it is also important to select the right size and type of pipes, pipe fittings cover level and depth, and some other configurations too.
• Inspection Chambers with widths of up to 450mm are easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
• As an alternative, you can opt for plastic inspection chambers which are lighter, and very cost-effective as compared to common drainage chambers.
• MAC (mini access chambers) is an innovative and cost-effective solution for access to the drainage system. MAC can be used to an invert depth of 600 mm.
• Shallow inspection chambers are mostly used near mains head of drainage where the depth is shallow.

What is the Adoptable Inspection Chamber?

Manufactured from high-strength polypropylene,  these are mainly plastic fabricated inspection chambers made from high quality, durable and lightweight plastic and are easy to install.  They can be bought in separate parts making it easier to customize your drainage system as per your need. Adoptable inspection chamber is fully watertight, cost-effective, and suitable for any project whether it be domestic, commercial, or industrial.

In an adoptable drainage system, all of the chambers have non-man entry access and have 3-meter inverts only.

All adoptable inspection chambers are manufactured to meet BS EN 13598 so that they can comply with the Sewers for Adoption guidelines in UK.

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