Manhole Water Intrusion Repair & Sealing

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     Groundwater intrusion in manholes is one of the leading causes of excessive inflow and infiltration within municipal wastewater systems. Even a small leak can dramatically increase treatment costs, overload lift stations, undermine roadways, and accelerate structural deterioration. Our Manhole Water Intrusion Repair & Sealing service is designed to stop leaks at the source, stabilize surrounding soils, and restore the long-term performance of manholes, lift stations, and utility structures using multiple advanced injection technologies.

     Manholes often deteriorate due to aging infrastructure, fluctuating groundwater levels, soil movement, vibration, freeze–thaw cycles, and improper backfill. As water penetrates cracks, joints, and pipe penetrations, it pulls soils into the structure, creating voids around the walls and base. Over time, this leads to settlement, sinkholes, roadway failures, and rapid increases in inflow and infiltration—especially during heavy rainfall or seasonal groundwater rises. Without proper repair, infiltration worsens and can compromise the entire collection system.

     We repair these issues using a combination of hydrophobic foam, hydrophilic foam, flexible waterproof grout, permeation grouting, structural foam injection, and deep soil stabilization. Each material is selected based on the type of leak, water pressure, soil conditions, and structural movement.

Hydrophobic foam is ideal for stopping active, high-flow leaks. It reacts with water, expands rapidly, and creates a rigid, waterproof seal capable of blocking even severe infiltration.

Hydrophilic foam is designed to absorb water and expand into a flexible, gel-like waterproof barrier. Because it remains elastic after curing, it is perfect for sealing joints, seams, and cracks that experience slight movement or thermal expansion—common issues in manholes located beneath roadways or areas with vibration.

     For areas with fine or sandy soil migration, we use permeation grouting, which flows through loose soils and solidifies into a strong, stable mass without causing uplift. When erosion or voids have formed around the manhole, we inject structural polyurethane foam to densify the soil, restore bearing capacity, and prevent further ground loss.

     Manhole water intrusion repair is essential for:
• Sewer manholes with chronic infiltration
• Stormwater structures experiencing soil washout
• Lift stations and pump chambers
• Utility vaults and access structures
• Manholes undermined by voids or erosion
• Structures exposed to high groundwater or hydraulic pressure

     Our process begins with a detailed inspection of the structure to identify all infiltration points. We assess joints, chimney sections, walls, pipe penetrations, and the surrounding soils. Depending on the conditions, we may combine multiple methods—such as hydrophobic foam for immediate leak control, hydrophilic foam for joint sealing, and permeation grout for stabilizing surrounding soils.

     In many cases, the most severe damage occurs not inside the manhole but around it, where migrating water removes soil and undermines structural support. Using deep injection foam or permeation grout, we stabilize these soils, restore proper compaction, and prevent future settlement of the roadway or manhole frame. This reinforces the entire structure, not just the visible leak.

     Common issues we repair include:
• Active groundwater infiltration
• Soil loss and voids around manholes
• Cracked walls, leaking chimney rings, and failed seals
• Joint, seam, and pipe penetration leaks
• Hydrostatic pressure forcing water into the structure
• Structural instability due to erosion

     Because our methods are non-invasive, most repairs require no excavation, minimal traffic disruption, and very short downtime. Injection sites are small and fast to drill, and the materials cure quickly, allowing manholes to return to service almost immediately. This makes our process ideal for busy intersections, treatment plants, and urban areas where digging is impractical or too costly.

     In addition to restoring structural stability, eliminating groundwater intrusion reduces operating costs across the entire wastewater system. Lower inflow and infiltration means fewer pump cycles, reduced energy usage, lower overflow risks, and improved capacity at wastewater treatment plants. These repairs also help municipalities extend infrastructure lifespan and maintain regulatory compliance.

     At Wisco Concrete Solutions, we evaluate every manhole individually to determine the most effective long-term repair strategy. Whether the situation requires hydrophobic foam, hydrophilic foam, permeation grouting, flexible grout, structural foam injection, or a combination of methods, we implement solutions that address both leak sealing and soil stabilization at the root cause. We never recommend unnecessary excavation and always choose the method that delivers durable, engineered results.

     We provide manhole infiltration repair and stabilization throughout Wisconsin and travel the USA for municipal, industrial, and infrastructure projects in other states as needed. From single manhole leaks to system-wide inflow and infiltration reduction programs, our team delivers reliable solutions that protect your infrastructure and prevent future failures.

     Infiltration is usually caused by cracked concrete, deteriorated mortar joints, failed chimney seals, leaking pipe penetrations, shifting soils, or rising groundwater pressure around the structure.

     Yes. Hydrophobic foam expands rapidly on contact with water and immediately seals high-flow leaks. It is ideal for stopping active infiltration during wet conditions or groundwater surges.

     Hydrophobic foam repels water and expands to form a rigid, waterproof barrier—perfect for fast leak sealing. Hydrophilic foam absorbs water and expands to create a flexible, gel-like seal that is ideal for tight joints, cracks with movement, and areas needing long-term elasticity.

     We evaluate the type of leak, soil condition, water pressure, and structural movement.

• Hydrophobic foam → Active leaks, high-flow water, void filling
   
• Hydrophilic foam → Joints that move or expand/contract
   
• Permeation grout → Sandy soils or fine soils where foam cannot travel
   
• Structural foam → Soil stabilization and void remediation
   

     Yes. We inject structural polyurethane foam or permeation grout behind the manhole to stabilize soils, fill voids, and prevent further undermining or road settlement.

     Absolutely. By sealing all water entry points and reinforcing the surrounding soil, our repairs significantly lower groundwater intrusion—reducing pump cycles, overflow risks, and wastewater treatment costs.

     Most projects require no excavation and only small surface access points. Roads often remain open or experience minimal disruption. Materials cure quickly, enabling immediate return to service.

     Not necessarily. Permeation grout is used when soils are sandy, unstable, or washing into the manhole. It strengthens the subgrade without displacement and prevents long-term soil migration.

     All materials are engineered for long-term performance. They do not shrink, crack, or wash out. With proper application, repairs can last decades, even in high groundwater environments.

     Yes. We travel for specialized municipal and industrial projects, including high-priority leak sealing, soil stabilization, and infrastructure restoration in other states.