Manholes aren’t just holes in the ground—they’re critical guardians of your sewer system’s integrity. Yet, over 50% of U.S. manholes were installed before 1960, and they account for as much as 90% of sewer system inflow and infiltration (I/I)—making them far more likely to fail than the pipes themselves
Skipping proper manhole inspections—or worse, relying on a flimsy flashlight peek—is like flying blind. GCU’s manhole inspection services, rooted in NASSCO’s MACP and PACP standards, give municipalities, utilities, and facility operators the hard data they need to head off structural failures, I/I, backups, and hazardous collapse—without guesswork.
Why You Need Manhole Inspections—Not Just “Check the Lid”
- Manholes are a major source of I/I—corroded rings, leaky chimney seals, or loose covers can allow groundwater and stormwater to enter your system, triggering overflows and inflating treatment costs
- Defects hidden below the surface are costly and dangerous—blocked chimneys, structural cracks, corrosion, or misaligned components can lead to sinkholes, backups, safety hazards, and EPA violations.
- NASSCO’s MACP exists for a reason—Level 1 inspections provide cost-effective visual evaluations, but Level 2 delivers richer, digital data, grading each defect and laying the foundation for long-term maintenance planning.
- Modern tools supercharge inspection speed and safety—from pole-mounted cameras to 3D scans, drones, and remote sensors, today’s tech lets GCU inspect fast and safely, without climbing—or getting stuck.
GCU’s Manhole Inspection Workflow
- Strategic Visual Survey (MACP Level 1)
Our team performs a careful visual inspection—checking covers, chimneys, joints, structure alignment, and obvious wear or misalignment, then cataloging initial findings. - Digital Deep Dive (MACP Level 2, PACP-enabled, if needed)
Using 3D scanning, pole cameras, or advanced remote tools, we collect pixel-perfect imagery and condition data—scorable, auditable, and comparable over time. - Optional Drone or Robot Deployment
For deep, hard-to-access, or particularly risky manholes, we lean on cutting-edge methods—like drones outfitted with LiDAR and AI for automated defect detection. - Standardized Condition Grading & Prioritization
Every defect gets logged, rated, and mapped according to MACP standards. GCU’s reports show you where to act first—and where you can hold off. - Strategic Rehab Roadmap
We translate findings into targeted rehab: grouting, lining, shotcrete, coatings, or structural repairs—so you fix the problem, not throw money at every manhole.
The GCU Advantage
- Safety-first inspections—no confined-space risks, thanks to remote tools and drones.
- Fast, repeatable, scalable—camera surveys in, reports out, decisions made—without shutting streets or waiting on contractors.
- Actionable data—defect grading and asset ranking means budget dollars go where they matter most.
- Long-term infrastructure protection—monitored manhole health means fewer surprise breaks and fewer emergency repairs.