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Step-by-step solution

Sewage tanks, manholes & septic tanks

Sewage and wastewater structures leak out, let groundwater in and are eaten away by aggressive effluent. Plug and rebuild the concrete, waterproof it, and add a chemical-resistant lining where the effluent is aggressive.

  • 7 steps
  • 13 products
  • 4 answers
Section of an underground sewage manhole with pipes, step irons and a protective lining on the inside faces

Get this solution priced Proposal brief ↓

You need this when…

  • Groundwater or soil entering manholes and septic tanks
  • Sewage seeping into the ground or towards water tanks
  • Soft, eroded concrete with exposed aggregate above the waterline
  • Rusting ladders, covers and pipe supports
  • Leaking joints between manhole rings or wall panels

The work, step by step

General guidance based on the manufacturer data sheets. Site conditions differ: confirm the system with MCT before you start. Where we do not name a product, ask us and we will confirm the right one.

  1. Step 1: New structures: watertight concrete and joints

    Add SikaControl-760 (sewage and water treatment plants, p.1) or Sika Plastocrete N PK (sewerage works, p.1) to the concrete. Cast Sika Waterbar V-20 L SH into construction joints and O-20 SH into expansion joints; both list sewage plants (p.1).

    Sika Plastocrete N PK Sika Request a quotation

    Sika® Plastocrete® N PK is recommended for use in waterproofing of masonry and concrete structures such as: Reservoirs and dams , Sewerage works , Canals , Culverts, tunnels , Water tanks, swimming pools and wherever waterproof concrete is required . (TDS p.1)

    Pack
    05 ltr jerry can
    Sika Waterbar V-20 L SH Sika Request a quotation

    Sika Waterbar® V-20 L SH is used to waterproof construction joints in concrete structures such as those in water retaining structures, including reservoirs, canals, sewage plants, dams, swimming pools etc. (TDS p.1)

    Temperature stated in TDS
    +23°C -35°C (TDS p.2)
    Sika Waterbar O-20 SH Sika Request a quotation

    Sika Waterbar® O-20 SH are used to waterproof expansion joints in concrete structures such as those in water retaining structures, including reservoirs, canals, sewage plants, dams, swimming pools etc. (TDS p.1)

    Temperature stated in TDS
    35°C to +55°C (TDS p.2)
    Pack
    15 m rolls
  2. Step 2: Isolate, clean and make safe

    Bypass the flow and follow confined-space safety rules: ventilate and test the air before entry. Water-jet away slime, sludge and weak concrete back to a sound surface.

  3. Step 3: Stop infiltration

    Plug running holes and static cracks: SikaSet Waterplug lists sewers (p.1); a Sika-4a quick-set mortar lists manholes and concrete pipes (p.1) and must be used with fresh ordinary Portland cement (p.2). Water-bearing cracks and joints: Sika Injection-306, experienced professionals only (p.1).

    SikaSet Waterplug Sika Request a quotation

    Non-moving (static) cracks and holes with running water or moisture seepage For immersion service For anchoring vertical bolts Basements Foundations Retaining walls Sewers Locations Vertical, overhead, or horizontal Interior or exterior Above or below grade… (TDS p.1)

    Other options for this stepAsk us

    The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.

  4. Step 4: Rebuild the concrete

    SikaEmaco S 488 is an R4 structural repair mortar listed for water treatment and sewerage facilities before subsequent coating (p.1); apply between +5 °C and +35 °C (p.2). Use SikaRep PK for general spalling (p.1).

    Other options for this stepAsk us

    The right product here depends on your site. We confirm it before naming it.

  5. Step 5: Waterproof the structure

    SikaSeal-105 PK lists water and sewage works such as tanks and manholes and works against positive and negative water pressure (p.1). The surface needs at least 1.0 N/mm² pull-off and must be pre-dampened (p.2).

  6. Step 6: Chemical-resistant lining where effluent is aggressive

    Sika Permacor-3326 EG H lines sludge digesters and waste-water tanks and bridges cracks up to 3 mm as a laminate (p.1). Sikagard-63 N lists sludge tanks (p.1) and must not go on moist substrates (p.3). Sikagard PW is sewage resistant (p.1). All three are for experienced professionals only (p.1 of each).

  7. Step 7: Seal joints

    Movement joints in plant floors and walls: Sikaflex PRO-3 lists sewage treatment plants (p.1). Joints, cracks and pipe penetrations with expected settlement: Sikadur-Combiflex SG-20 P tape, listed for sewage treatment plants (p.1).

    Sikadur-Combiflex SG-20 P Sika Request a quotation

    Sikadur-Combiflex® SG-20 P is used for sealing: Movement joints, Construction joints, Pipe penetrations, Cracks, Building components where differential settlement is expected Sikadur-Combiflex® SG-20 P is used for the following areas:, Tunnels. (TDS p.1)

    Temperature stated in TDS
    +40 °C -30 °C (TDS p.2)
Proposal brief

Sewage tanks, manholes & septic tanks: scope and system

A starting point for a site proposal. Quantities, prices and the final specification follow a site visit or photos.

Scope of work

  1. Flow bypass, cleaning and inspection (by others or included, to agree)
  2. Leak plugging and crack injection
  3. Concrete repair with structural repair mortar
  4. Cementitious waterproofing slurry
  5. Chemical-resistant lining where required (m²)
  6. Joint sealing (running metres)

System build-up

StepProductPackSource
1. New structures: watertight concrete and jointsSikaControl-760SikaControl®-760 is available in 5 Kg & 25 kg pack.TDS p.1 · March 2025, Version 04.01
1. New structures: watertight concrete and jointsSika Plastocrete N PK05 ltr jerry canTDS p.1 · February 2026, Version 01.01
1. New structures: watertight concrete and jointsSika Waterbar V-20 L SH—TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01
1. New structures: watertight concrete and jointsSika Waterbar O-20 SH15 m rollsTDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 02.01
3. Stop infiltrationSikaSet Waterplug—TDS p.1 · September 2024, Version 02.01
3. Stop infiltrationSika-4a—TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 01.01
4. Rebuild the concreteSikaEmaco S 48825 kg bagTDS p.1 · June 2025, Version 05.01
5. Waterproof the structureSikaSeal-105 PK—TDS p.1 · February 2026, Version 02.01
6. Chemical-resistant lining where effluent is aggressiveSika Permacor-3326 EG H (professionals)—TDS p.1 · December 2022, Version 05.02
6. Chemical-resistant lining where effluent is aggressiveSikagard-63 N (professionals)10 kg Kit consisting ofTDS p.1 · May 2025, Version 04.02
6. Chemical-resistant lining where effluent is aggressiveSikagard PW (professionals)—TDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 02.01
7. Seal jointsSikaflex PRO-3600 ml cylindrical foil packTDS p.1 · May 2021, Version 03.01
7. Seal jointsSikadur-Combiflex SG-20 P—TDS p.1 · May 2025, Version 04.01

What we need from you

  • Type and size of each structure (manhole, septic tank, sump, STP tank)
  • Photos of the inside and of leaks
  • Type of effluent: domestic sewage, industrial, sludge
  • Can the flow be stopped or bypassed, and for how long?
  • Groundwater level

Site conditions

  • Flow bypassed and structure cleaned before work
  • Safe confined-space access with ventilation
  • Dry substrate for epoxy linings (Sikagard-63 N p.3)

Not included

  • Sewer pipe replacement and pumping equipment
  • Structural redesign or strengthening
  • Disposal of sludge and waste

Questions customers ask

Which lining resists sewage?

Sikagard PW is listed as sewage resistant (p.1). Sika Permacor-3326 EG H has high chemical resistance to water, aggressive effluents and waste water (p.1). Both are for experienced professionals.

Can the lining go on wet concrete?

Sikagard-63 N must not be applied on moist substrates (p.3) and Sikagard PW not on substrates with rising moisture (p.3). The cement-based SikaSeal-105 PK goes on a pre-dampened surface (p.2), so it is used where the concrete stays damp.

Groundwater pours into our manhole. What stops it?

Running water through holes and static cracks is plugged with SikaSet Waterplug (p.1) or Sika-4a mortar (p.1). Water-bearing cracks and joints are injected with Sika Injection-306 (p.1). SikaSeal-105 PK then works against negative water pressure (p.1).

Can a live manhole be repaired without stopping the flow?

The data sheets assume a clean, prepared surface (SikaSeal-105 PK p.2; SikaEmaco S 488 p.2), so the flow must be bypassed. Ask us: it depends on site conditions.

Steps and product facts are taken from the manufacturer data sheets (page cited). Products are named only where the data sheet confirms the use; quantities follow a site visit or photos. General guidance: check the data sheet or ask us before you start.