The ROMOLD Manhole Solution
Why ROMOLD Plastic Manhole Chambers Make Sense for New Zealand Infrastructure
New Zealand’s infrastructure demands solutions that deliver exceptional durability, resistance to infiltration and exfiltration, and clear advantages in installation. For these reasons, the decision to specify ROMOLD manhole chambers is as logical as for a 6-metre length of PVC pipe.
Just as PVC pipes—and to some extent, PE— have replaced asbestos cement (AC) and earthenware, ROMOLD’s PP and PE manholes represent the next evolution, succeeding traditional concrete manhole chambers. Prefabricated and as easy to install as a pipe fitting, they bring a step-change in construction methodology. From an asset management perspective, ROMOLD manholes enable the construction of a fully plastic pipeline—flexible, with no weak points.
Cost Efficiency: Installed and Lifetime Value
Installed cost and total lifecycle cost are key financial drivers in any specification. The ROMOLD system offers significant benefits: faster installation, reduced labour hours, more efficient use of machinery, and lower ancillary costs such as traffic management and over-pumping.
When evaluating whole-of-life costs, ROMOLD manhole chambers are again the clear choice. With a service life exceeding 100 years, they eliminate infiltration and significantly reduce maintenance requirements—delivering true long-term value.
Environmental Advantages
From an environmental standpoint, technologies that eliminate groundwater infiltration and exfiltration are essential. ROMOLD chambers not only help reduce carbon emissions by replacing concrete, but also offer longevity and recyclability at end-of-life—further strengthening the case for their adoption.
Installation Efficiency = Project Efficiency
As the saying goes, time is money. ROMOLD prefabricated manhole chambers transform the process from on-site construction to simple assembly. A chamber can be installed and made operational in as little as 30 minutes, then backfilled and sealed within a day. This time saving has positive implications for project timelines, whether it means opening a pipeline or thoroughfare earlier, meeting tight deadlines, or bringing forward title.
This is the essence of productivity: more output in the same time, or the same output in less.
Improved Safety and On-Site Practicality
For those responsible for installation, ROMOLD manholes provide welcome relief. The lighter materials reduce manual handling effort and the risk of crush injuries. Pre-benched bases and rubber ring joint (RRJ) sockets simplify installation by eliminating time-consuming construction steps—such as core drilling and corbelling. Confined space entry is significantly reduced; in most cases, entry is only required for final testing. Inspection is also easier, thanks to the uniform, high-quality finish of each chamber.
A Smart Use of Plastic for Long-Term Performance
ROMOLD manhole chambers are not a single-use plastic product—they are high-performance infrastructure components that outperform traditional materials. Buried safely away from UV exposure and unaffected by most service fluids or chemicals, they retain durability over their operational life. At the end of their service, they can be recycled—either reprocessed into new products or repurposed for applications that will seem obvious in the next century.
Proven, Accepted, and Readily Available
ROMOLD manhole chambers are stocked locally in New Zealand and are accepted by most New Zealand councils. Over the past decade, they have proven to be a reliable and trusted solution for our infrastructure needs.
Specifications that include ROMOLD technology recognise the advantages these products bring—offering true choice to construction companies and developers alike.
For further enquiries please contact us.
Further information and the history of plastic manhole technology.
Advantages of Plastic Manhole Chambers