Telescopic tubes

Plastic vs Concrete Telescopic Risers – When to Use Which

Here is a clear comparison between plastic telescopic risers and concrete telescopic risers, including when to use them, their advantages, limitations, and recommendations for different types of wells.


Plastic Telescopic Risers (PP/PE)

Also known as: telescopic neck, adjustable riser, plastic riser.

Plastic telescopic risers are mainly used on plastic wells (PP/PE) for stormwater, wastewater, LTA/LPS pump stations, drainage, and water meter wells.

Advantages:

  • Lightweight

  • Corrosion-free

  • Easy to adjust – even after installation

  • Very flexible, handles ground movement well

  • Excellent sealing with rubber gaskets

  • Perfect for residential areas and light-traffic locations

When to use plastic risers:

  • Plastic stormwater or drainage wells

  • LTA/LPS pump stations

  • Water meter wells

  • Garden areas, green surfaces, and driveways

  • When the soil moves (frost heave, settling)

  • When using plastic, composite, or light cast-iron covers

Limitations:

  • Not suitable for heavy traffic loads

  • Must be properly fixed to prevent slipping


Concrete Telescopic Risers (Concrete Cones / Adjusting Cones)

Used in concrete wells, especially in municipal systems, roads, and parking areas.

Advantages:

  • Extremely durable

  • Handles heavy traffic classes (B125, C250, D400)

  • Transfers vehicle load directly to the ground (not the well body)

  • Long lifespan (50+ years)

  • Compatible with cast iron cover frames

When to use concrete risers:

  • Roads, streets, and parking lots

  • Heavy vehicle loads / truck traffic

  • Municipal stormwater & sewer wells

  • Inspection chambers with large diameters (Ø600–Ø1200 mm)

  • When high load distribution is required

Limitations:

  • Heavy – usually requires machinery

  • Less flexible (absorbs ground movement poorly)

  • Not ideal for plastic wells


Comparison – Plastic vs Concrete Risers

Feature Plastic Riser Concrete Riser
Weight Light Very heavy
Flexibility High Low
Traffic loading A15–B125 B125–D400
Installation Easy Requires machinery
Suitable for Plastic wells Concrete wells
Ground movement absorption Excellent Limited
Lifespan Good Very long

Recommendations by Well Type

Stormwater Well (Plastic)

→ Plastic riser + plastic or cast iron A15/B125 cover.

Stormwater Well (Concrete, in road)

→ Concrete riser + cast iron C250/D400 cover assembly.

Wastewater / Inspection Well (Residential)

→ Plastic well → plastic riser
→ Concrete well → concrete riser

LTA/LPS Pump Station

→ Plastic riser + sealed composite cover.

Water Meter Well

→ Plastic riser for plastic wells
→ Concrete riser for municipal installations

Drainage Well

→ Plastic riser (simple, corrosion-free, adjustable)


Summary

  • Plastic telescopic riser → best for residential areas, plastic wells, flexible ground, and light traffic.

  • Concrete telescopic riser → best for roads, parking areas, and heavy loads where traffic class is critical.