Smart Strategies for Selecting the Right Utility Access Materials

When it comes to underground utility access, material decisions can make or break your project's success.
Learn how smart material selection can help you streamline installation, support long-term performance, and meet the unique demands of your job site.

Make confident material decisions that reduce installation costs, simplify handling, and ensure long-term performance.

Choosing the right material for underground utility access products isn't just a matter of preference—it's a decision that impacts performance, cost, safety, and service life. With increasing pressure on utility contractors, engineers, and distributors to meet tight deadlines and budgets, material selection is one of the most important ways to control installation costs while delivering long-term value.

From valve boxes and meter pits to curb boxes and frames, the right material can make a measurable difference in the field. The wrong one? It can slow you down, cost more over time, and even compromise safety or compliance.

Start with the project conditions.

The first step in choosing the right utility access materials is understanding the application environment. Consider:

• Traffic load: Will the product be installed in a roadway or green space?
• Climate: Is the area prone to freeze-thaw cycles, flooding, or extreme heat?
• Soil conditions: Are there corrosive elements in the surrounding soil or groundwater?
• Depth and elevation: How deep will the product be buried, and how will it align with the final grade?

Matching material performance to real-world conditions can reduce the chance of installation issues and support corrosion control efforts that protect infrastructure over the long term.

Know your options: Common materials and their benefits.

Different materials offer distinct advantages depending on the installation and performance needs.

• Cast Iron: Known for its unmatched strength and durability, cast iron is ideal for high-traffic areas, heavy loads, and extreme environments. It's also highly recyclable and can be produced using recycled materials, making it a strong choice for sustainable and corrosion-resistant infrastructure.

• Bison™ ABS Plastic: Bingham & Taylor's exclusive thick-walled ABS plastic provides a lightweight, durable solution that can save on handling, reduce worker fatigue, and lower freight costs. It also offers long-term resistance to underground elements and is recyclable at the end of its life.

• CIP (Combination Cast Iron & Plastic): Combining the best of both materials, CIP products use cast iron for surface durability and Bison or standard ABS plastic below ground. This hybrid design can help reduce installation strain, enhance corrosion control, and maintain strength where it matters most.

• Polypropylene and Polyethylene Copolymers: Commonly used in meter pits, these plastics offer flexibility, resistance to environmental degradation, and compatibility with AMR/AMI systems.

Look beyond the lid: Design details that improve efficiency.

Choosing the right material is critical, but smart design also helps cut costs. Products that fit correctly and install easily prevent delays, reduce labor, and minimize rework.

Consider these ways to improve install speed and consistency:

• Use stabilizers to hold products in place during backfilling.
• Add paving risers to avoid unnecessary grade resets.
• Choose locking or tamper-resistant lids to reduce unauthorized access, theft, or accidental damage.
• Select proven, uniform sizing to ensure field compatibility and avoid callbacks.

Even minor installation issues like pop-outs or settling can lead to safety concerns, regulatory headaches, and unexpected repair costs. Well-fitting, corrosion-resistant materials and accessories help avoid those problems before they start.

Work with partners who know your environment.

Distributors, contractors, and engineers bring invaluable insight to material decisions. They know what works in your area, what meets spec, and how to get it delivered on time. So do manufacturers with deep industry experience.

At Bingham & Taylor, we work with you and your distribution partners to understand local conditions, regulatory requirements, and project priorities. Whether your job calls for all-cast iron, an all-plastic setup, or something in between, we’ll help you select the right material for the right reasons—and avoid costly missteps.

Want to dive deeper into the pros, cons, and use cases of different utility access materials?

Download our comprehensive guide: Choosing the Right Materials for Underground Utility Access.

This eBook offers performance insights, product comparisons, and guidance on how to align material choices with project needs—including those that support long-term corrosion control strategies.