Wastewater Collection Tests Promising New Type of Manhole
Published on December 09, 2025
The City of Melbourne’s Wastewater Collection team is testing out new type of manhole that is so far proving to be much easier to install and maintain – potentially leading to major cost savings and improved safety for our employees.
The new manhole, playfully named the “Poo Pit” by its manufacturer, is smaller and significantly lighter than traditional manholes that are made of concrete and can weigh thousands of pounds.
Because it is so much lighter, one or two employees can install it, whereas a traditional manhole requires heavy equipment and a crane for installation.
Another advantage of the Poo Pit’s size is that it requires a smaller footprint for installation in deep underground applications compared to traditional manholes. This results in less disruption to our residents and enhances safety for our employees during installation.
The City's wastewater collection system services residents and businesses within the 51.5 square miles of City of Melbourne. Wastewater collection staff inspect and maintain this vast system via manholes that are placed at about every 400 feet and at every change in flow direction within the system.
The concrete used in traditional manholes can degrade over time due to the hydrogen sulfide gasses generated by raw sewage. To prevent structural damage, each manhole must be recoated with an epoxy or cementitious coating once every 12 to 14 years.
Because they are made of PVC, the Poo Pit devices should be resistant to corrosion and require less ongoing maintenance. To test this out, Wastewater Collection employees have installed three Poo Pits at different points within the system to see how they perform.
Staff will inspect and monitor them over the coming months and years to see how well they hold up within the harsh environment of the wastewater collection system. If they prove to not require ongoing coating and maintenance in the future, the cost savings could be significant.
To learn more, check out the manufacturer’s video featuring an interview with City of Melbourne Wastewater Collection Foreman Butch Burke.