Manhole Facts for Kids

Manholes in a city street, Perth, Western Australia.

This is a sewer manhole.

A manhole is a special opening in the ground that lets people get into underground spaces. These spaces hold important things like pipes and cables for cities. You might also hear them called a utility hole or inspection chamber.

What is a Manhole?
Where Are Manholes Found?
Safety Concerns
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What is a Manhole?

People use manholes to check on or fix services hidden beneath the streets. These services include sewer pipes, telephone lines, electricity cables, storm drains (for rainwater), and gas pipes.

The opening of a manhole is covered by a heavy, round lid called a manhole cover. This cover keeps people and things from falling into the hole. It also stops people who aren't allowed from going underground. Inside manholes, you'll often see metal or plastic steps on the wall. These steps make it easier and safer for workers to climb down and up.

Where Are Manholes Found?

You usually see manholes in cities and towns. They are often in streets or sometimes under sidewalks. Most manhole covers are round. This shape is important because a round cover cannot accidentally fall into its own round hole, no matter how it's turned.

Safety Concerns

In cities, sometimes electricity can escape from underground cables and make metal manhole covers dangerous. This is called "stray voltage." In 2004, a woman named Jodie S. Lane was seriously injured by electricity after stepping on a metal manhole cover in New York City. This shows why it's important for utility companies to keep these areas safe.