Do Inspection Chambers Need Seals?

We are often asked whether inspection chambers need separate seals between the base and the riser, and in between each riser. The not so simple answer is that unfortunately, it varies between manufacturers.

This may sound confusing, but the overriding principle to remember here is that there should ideally be a watertight seal between each of the chamber sections, regardless of who makes the chamber. It is actually how this seal is achieved that differs between each manufacturer.

Some chamber risers feature an integral seal that is moulded onto the bottom of each riser. Others feature a separate seal that fits into a channel on the bottom of each riser, which is then compressed during installation into the base or the subsequent riser.

Some manufacturers do not use a sealing ring but instead, rely on a tongue and groove design between each riser which features a high tongue section to discourage water leakage in the event of a blockage.

Our most popular inspection chamber risers, the FloPlast D916, D820 and D822 risers all feature a separate rubber sealing ring. This can be found in the bottom groove of the riser where it is stored during delivery to avoid damage or loss.

Our Twinwall Turtle Inspection Chambers tend to come in one-piece factory assembled depths in 1m, 2m, and 2.5m (deeper sizes also available upon request). In these instances, rises and seals aren't needed.