Articles and News

Breaking Free from the I&I Rut: A Long-Term Solution for Sustainable Infrastructure

• LADTECH INC.
• August 05, 2025

Many municipalities find themselves in a familiar predicament, consistently battling inflow and infiltration (I&I) without truly solving the underlying issue. The resistance to change often stems from two core concerns: the time and effort required to explore new solutions, and uncertainty about costs and return on investment (ROI). This reluctance often leads to a “Band-Aid” approach, where failing concrete manhole rings are merely replaced with more concrete rings, perpetuating a cycle of ongoing expenses for recurring I&I, repair supplies, installation, and manpower.

But what if there was a better way?

A Paradigm Shift: Embracing Ladtech’s HDPE Manhole Adjusting Rings

Change, while initially daunting, can be the catalyst for significant improvement. For cities ready to re-evaluate their manhole systems, Ladtech offers a proven, long-term solution: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) manhole adjusting rings. Ladtech products are specifically engineered to eliminate the pervasive problems associated with traditional concrete, brick, and rubber manhole rings.

Our innovative HDPE rings offer a host of compelling benefits:

• Mortarless, Watertight Assembly: Say goodbye to messy, time-consuming mortar work and the leaks it often creates. Ladtech rings ensure a completely watertight seal, effectively eliminating infiltration.
• Corrosion-Proof Construction: Impervious to harsh elements like hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), road salts, and other chemicals, our HDPE rings will not deteriorate or degrade, ensuring lasting performance in even the most challenging environments.
• Exceptional Lifespan: While concrete rings typically last 5 to 25 years, Ladtech HDPE rings boast an impressive lifespan of 50-100 years, significantly reducing the need for frequent replacements and costly rehabilitation projects.
• Easy & Efficient Installation: Our lightweight rings (approximately 6 pounds compared to 85-pound concrete rings) simplify handling and transportation, reduce labor costs, and expedite project timelines. They offer a precision fit for a range of slopes and sizes, with rings as thin as ¼” for ultimate adjustability. Installation can often be completed in a matter of hours, minimizing traffic disruption.
• Durability for Heavy Traffic: Ladtech rings are H25 Traffic Rated, built to withstand the constant pounding and vibration of heavy vehicles without cracking or breaking.
• Environmentally Responsible: Proudly made in the USA from 100% recycled HDPE, our products support sustainability and contribute to a healthier future.

Real-World Success and Verified Performance

Engineers and contractors who have specified the Ladtech system consistently praise its ease of installation, its effectiveness at preventing I&I, and the complete elimination of future repair work. Our success stories in municipalities like Revere, Massachusetts, and Apple Valley, Minnesota, demonstrate the tangible benefits of making the switch. In Apple Valley, for instance, HDPE rings installed over 20 years ago show no signs of deterioration and have virtually eliminated reconstruct needs, even with high daily traffic volumes.

Ladtech stands behind its products with a 30-year warranty, a testament to our confidence in their reliability and durability. Our HDPE rings have undergone rigorous third-party testing by American Engineering Testing, proving their capability to last 80-100 years and meet stringent standards like AASHTO HS-20 & HS-25.

Make the Change That Lasts

If inflow and infiltration are ongoing headaches and your current manhole fixes aren’t delivering, it’s time for a change in approach. Specifying the Ladtech system can make a difference you didn’t know was possible, offering a cost-effective, durable, and sustainable solution to your infrastructure challenges.

Learn more about our comprehensive test reports and verified performance by visiting: https://ladtech.com/hdpe-manhole-adjusting-rings-downloads/#test-data

Written By - Dwight Wiedrich

Dwight Wiedrich is the founder of LadTech, an innovative, DOT-approved, patented HDPE manhole ring manufacturer. He has solved problems in the underground space for over 40 years.