Manhole Test Plugs: A Practical Guide for Sewer Testing as per EN1610

Maintaining the integrity of sewer systems is critical, especially as urban areas grow and regulatory standards become stricter. One of the most effective tools for ensuring leak-free pipelines is the manhole test plug. When used correctly, these plugs allow contractors and engineers to perform air leak test and/or water leak test in line with EN1610, the European standard governing gravity sewer and drain construction.

Saving time, money, and public inconvenience is what makes these plugs important.

How EN1610 Shapes the Standard?

EN1610 is not just a guideline, it is the benchmark for how sewers and drainage systems should be built and tested across Europe and in many other parts of the world. It outlines two primary leak testing methods: one using air, and another using water. To meet EN1610 standards, manhole plugs must be able to perform reliably under both test conditions.

This means the plug must not only fit securely within the manhole but also withstand internal test pressures without shifting or leaking. That is where PlugCo’s engineering precision becomes critical.

PlugCo’s Manhole Test Plugs: What Sets Them Apart?

PlugCo, a Turkish manufacturer of pipe test equipment, exports its products to more than 70 countries worldwide, proving its high quality. As part of its wide range of products, PlugCo offers manhole test plugs designed specifically to meet EN1610 specifications.

PlugCo’s Manhole Test Plugs are made of a steel body reinforced with high-quality SBR+NR rubber, ensuring a secure sealing inside the manhole structure.

PlugCo’s manufactures different models of manhole test plugs as follows:

MTP600650 – Designed for manholes with diameters between 600 and 650 mm

MTP800850 – Suited for larger manholes, typically found in industrial installations

MTP10001050 – One of their largest, often used in wastewater treatment applications

These models are multi-sized, which means that a single plug can be used across a small range of manhole diameters.

Applications and Real-World Use

PlugCo’s manhole test plugs are used by utility companies, municipal contractors, and civil engineers working on sewer expansions, repairs, and routine maintenance. They have been deployed in high-profile projects across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia—each time proving their durability and reliability.

Contractors especially appreciate how quick they are to install. It typically takes just minutes to position the plug and begin testing. The inflation port allows for easy pressurization, and the bypass line allow filling the test area with air or water easily.

While using the Manhole Test Plugs, Inflatable Pipe Plugs may also be required to block the both sides of the Pipeline as shown in the following Sketch. PlugCo offers a wide range of multi-sized inflatable pipe plugs that you can use for different pipe diameters.