Maintenance holes and inspections shafts may be required to be built when constructing new sewer mains.

A maintenance hole (also known as a manhole) is a sealed chamber that provides access to humans to the sewer main. Generally, sewer manholes can be found in roads, footpaths, driveways, public spaces, and inside private properties.

Unlike a manhole, an inspection shaft is too small for a human to access but does allow for plumbing equipment to be used.

Manholes and inspection shafts must always be easily accessible as they are used to perform routine maintenance and for emergency purposes such as:

• Inspections and testing of the sewer system
• Cleaning and removal of any blockages
• General operational inspections of the sewer pipes