- Blockages: When a sewer line becomes blocked, it can prevent wastewater from flowing through, causing the pressure to build up behind the blockage.
- Tree roots: Tree roots can grow into sewer lines and cause blockages, leading to increased pressure.
- Grease: Grease can build up in sewer lines and form a hard, crusty layer that can block the flow of wastewater.
- Fats, oils, and grease (FOG): These substances can solidify and form clogs in sewer lines, leading to increased pressure.
- Heavy rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the sewer system, causing the pressure to build up.
When the pressure in the sewer system becomes too high, it can cause manhole covers to be lifted up or even exploded off. This can release a large amount of wastewater and debris into the street, which can cause flooding and damage to property. In addition, the explosion can also cause damage to the manhole itself and the surrounding infrastructure.
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent exploding manholes, including:
- Regular maintenance: Regularly cleaning and inspecting sewer lines can help to identify and remove blockages before they can cause problems.
- Tree root control: Tree roots can be trimmed or removed to prevent them from growing into sewer lines.
- Proper disposal of FOG: Grease, fats, and oils should be disposed of properly in a trash can or grease trap, not poured down the drain.
- Upgrading the sewer system: In some cases, it may be necessary to upgrade the sewer system to increase its capacity and prevent it from becoming overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.
By taking these steps, it is possible to help prevent the occurrence of exploding manholes and protect property and infrastructure.
