Browse answers to the most commonly asked questions about manhole rehabilitation, polyurea coatings, MACP inspection, funding, and the Manhole Recovery community.

About Manhole Recovery

What is Manhole Recovery?

Manhole Recovery is an independent professional resource and community for manhole rehabilitation professionals — including municipal engineers, public works directors, underground utility contractors, and infrastructure policy professionals. We publish technical guides, case studies, research, and news relevant to manhole rehabilitation, and we host a community where professionals can connect, share knowledge, and get answers to technical questions.

Who runs Manhole Recovery?

Manhole Recovery is led by Executive Director Heidi Lee, PE and a team of experienced infrastructure professionals. We are not affiliated with any coating manufacturer, contractor, or vendor. Our content is independent and editorially driven — see our About Us page for full team information.

Is Manhole Recovery community membership free?

Yes — community membership is free for public agency employees, academics, and students. Contractors and industry suppliers are welcome at our standard member rate. Contact us to get started.

Technical Questions

What is the difference between polyurea and polyurethane manhole coatings?

Both polyurea and polyurethane are 100% solids spray-applied coating systems, but they differ significantly in chemistry and performance. True polyureas react between an isocyanate component and an amine-terminated resin — they cure in seconds, are very moisture-tolerant, and deliver excellent physical properties. Polyurethanes react between an isocyanate and a polyol resin — they cure more slowly, are more moisture-sensitive, and typically deliver lower elongation. Many products marketed as “polyurea” are actually hybrid polyurea/polyurethane systems — read the technical data sheet carefully.

What MACP grade requires rehabilitation?

As a general guideline: Grade 1–2 manholes should be monitored and may benefit from preventive protective coatings in high-risk environments. Grade 3 manholes warrant rehabilitation within 1–3 years. Grade 4 manholes require rehabilitation within 12 months. Grade 5 manholes require immediate emergency action. See our MACP Field Guide for full details.

How long does polyurea manhole lining last?

Properly specified and applied polyurea liners in manhole applications have documented service lives of 20–50 years. Performance depends heavily on surface preparation quality, application conditions, applied thickness, and the severity of the service environment (H2S levels, temperature). Independent performance data from installations now in their 20th year of service is available — visit our Resources page for access.

Is polyurea safe for potable water contact?

Some polyurea formulations are NSF 61 certified for potable water contact; many are not. If your project involves any structure that could contact potable water — including combined system manholes with any potable water risk — require NSF 61 certification in your specification and ask your supplier for the current certification documentation. Never assume.

Can I apply polyurea over an existing coating?

Applying new polyurea over an existing coating is possible only if the existing coating is in good condition, well-adhered, and compatible with the new system. Adhesion testing on the existing coating is essential before proceeding. In most cases, existing failed coatings must be removed before rehabilitation. Ask in the community forum for specific advice on your situation.

Funding Questions

Does federal infrastructure funding cover manhole rehabilitation?

Yes — manhole rehabilitation projects qualify for financing through the EPA’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) as water quality infrastructure, particularly where the project contributes to sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) reduction. Additional subsidy (grants, principal forgiveness) is available in many states for smaller and disadvantaged communities. See our Federal Funding Guide for a detailed breakdown of available programs.

Our system is rural — are there special funding programs?

Yes — USDA Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Program provides both grants (up to 75% for lowest-income communities) and loans for water and wastewater infrastructure, including manhole rehabilitation, for systems serving communities under 10,000 (sometimes up to 20,000). This is often the most advantageous program for rural communities. See our Funding Guide for details.

Events & Community

How do I register for a webinar?

Webinar registration is through our Contact page. Include your name, organization, and email, and specify which webinar you’d like to attend. We’ll confirm your registration and send connection details before the event. All webinars are free for community members.

Are webinar recordings available?

Yes — community members have access to our full archive of past webinar recordings. Join the community to access the archive.

How do I join my regional chapter?

Regional chapter enrollment is automatic when you become a community member — you’ll be placed in the chapter covering your location and will receive meeting invitations. Contact us if you have questions about your chapter assignment.

Still Have Questions?

Contact our team or post in the community forum to get answers from our technical staff and experienced community members.