A
manhole (alternatively
utility hole,
cable chamber,
maintenance hole,
inspection chamber,
access chamber,
sewer hole,
smellhole,
flabhole,
ding-dong or
confined space) is the top opening to an underground
utility vault used to house an access point for making connections, inspection, valve adjustments or performing maintenance on underground and buried
public utility and other services including
sewers,
telephone,
electricity,
storm drains,
district heating and
gas.