Everybody is already familiar with the term “sewer lid” – a circular, oval, square, or rectangular cover of the manholes commonly found on our streets, sidewalks, and yards. However, not many people are familiar with the term “sewer top hat”.

While not exactly the most (or at all) glamorous part of modern infrastructure, this component is absolutely vital for the proper and safe functioning of the sewer system. As such, it is deserving of our attention, and today, we’ll analyze its build, purpose, and utilization.

What is a sewer top hat?

In simple terms, a sewer top hat is a specialized, protective component commonly used in sewer systems. It is typically placed between a main sewer pipe and the smaller pipe that connects a building’s plumbing to the municipal sewage system, known as the “lateral pipe”.

What is a Sewer Top Called?

Although the term “sewer top hat” is widely accepted by industry professionals and common folk alike, this is not the component’s technical name. The component earned this name due to its shape, which resembles traditional top hats worn in the late 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.

Of course, this design choice has nothing to do with aesthetics and everything to do with the application, which can be seen from the official names. That said, the correct terms are “lateral connection seal”, “pipe connection liner”, or simply “connection seal”, as all of these designations precisely describe the purpose and/or application of the component.

It should be noted that, while all of these terms are used interchangeably, they may refer to slightly different pieces of equipment. Still, the distinction is minuscule and mostly dependent on the specifics of build and materials, as well as regional standards.

What is the purpose of a sewer top hat?

The primary purpose of the sewer top hat is to create a strong, leak-proof seal between the lateral and the main sewer pipe, as this point is widely considered to be one of the most vulnerable in the sewer system.

Utilizing a quality top hat ensures a secure connection that prevents the wastewater from spilling into the surroundings, thereby averting potential environmental hazards, health risks, and structural damage to the property.

What are sewer top hats made of?

Since they are installed in what are considered “harsh environments”, and because they need to remain operational and reliable for prolonged periods, sewer hats are typically manufactured with durable materials such as metal, resin, or plastic. 

These materials boast high natural resistance to corrosion, wear, and extreme environmental conditions, making them an ideal choice for the intended application. In addition, metal, resin, and plastics have the major advantage of being flexible enough to allow trenchless installation.

This means that there’s no need for excessive excavation or other destructive actions during installation. Instead, sewer hats are usually set up from inside the pipe, which drastically reduces the amount of resources necessary to finish work, resulting in faster, easier, and more cost-effective installation.

Where can I find a high-quality sewer top hat for sale near me?

Blair Supply is your most reliable choice, whether you’re looking for top-tier sewer hats, different types of manhole castings, or any other type of water main and wastewater material you may need to swiftly and safely finish your manhole/sewer construction project. 

With a track record of excellence spanning almost 50 years and partnerships with the USA’s most prominent manufacturers, you can rest assured that every component sourced from our Rochester warehouse will be reliable and built to last. Get in touch with us today!