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Calendar 1 June, 2021 (Updated 16 March, 2023)

A mini guide to manhole covers: how to lift, fit and more

Manhole covers are used to provide access but also to conceal and protect our underground drainage systems. The covers themselves are made of very durable...

Manhole covers are used to provide access but also to conceal and protect our underground drainage systems. The covers themselves are made of very durable materials, but even so, they need replacing every now and then. This post aims to talk you through all the keys things you need to know about manhole covers, including how to lift and fit, plus how much they weigh and what products we have available to help you successfully replace your manhole cover.  

How to lift a manhole cover

Manhole covers tend to be made out of concrete or cast iron, so it’s no surprise that they can be incredibly heavy. Depending on the type and state of the manhole cover may affect how you’re able to go about lifting it, so we’ll cover off intact and damaged manhole covers.

How to lift a manhole cover that’s intact

If you want to lift the cover by hand and it’s been there for some time, the first thing you’ll want to do is remove as much of the dirt, moss and rust from around the edges as possible. You can use a screwdriver or something similar to scrape around the edges to loosen it. You can then use a screwdriver to wedge it open and a spade or similar to further lift the edge until you can safely support and lift. Strong hooks or lifting keys can also be used and are highly recommended for safety – some manhole covers will require a lifting key in the first place. Don’t forget, it’s important that you make an assessment before going ahead and attempting to manually lift the cover yourself – don’t risk personal injury.

If you’d prefer to lift the cover using a lifting system, there are a variety of different ones to choose from (including mechanical and hydraulic) depending on your requirements. The benefits to a lifting system are you don’t need manhole lifting keys, you don’t have to physically get involved and it can be a quicker process. The only downside is it’s a higher expense. If you’re unsure on which type of lifting system would be best for you, safety lifting gear can help.

How to lift a manhole cover that’s damaged

If you’re looking at lifting a damaged manhole cover, it’s important to do a proper inspection before you go ahead. We don’t recommend you attempt you remove a damaged manhole cover by hand, and that you opt for a suitable lifting system as previously mentioned. If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, you can seek the help of a drainage company who will be able to safely remove it for you.

You will also need to make sure a suitable replacement cover is sourced.

How much does a manhole cover weigh?

Due to the fact they’re typically made from concrete, cast iron or in some cases both, you can expect a manhole cover to easily weigh over 100kg, but this will vary depending on the size. The reason for their extreme weight is they need to be sturdy enough that they can cope with vehicles passing over them and also so that they’re resistant to theft.

How to fit a manhole cover

If you have a manhole that needs a new cover, as a starting point you’re going to need to make sure you order the right size manhole cover to fill the fissure properly. Here are some useful tips which you can use as a guide when fitting a manhole cover:

  1. Measure the size of the clear opening – don’t measure the previous cover.
  2. Make sure when you remove the old cover that you remove the old frame too.
  3. Repair any damage to the surrounds of the manhole.
  4. Don’t opt for a cheap cover – it will need to be British Standard Approved for safety.
  5. You’ll need to fit the frame and secure it with cement under and around it, ensuring it’s level.
  6. You can then place the manhole cover in its correct position, being careful to lift it safely using the correct equipment.
  7. You can seal the edges using a joint sealer if you wish.

Why are manhole covers round?

Manhole covers are everywhere, we walk over them on a daily basis, so it’s not just members of the building and drainage industries that might be asking ‘why are some manhole covers round?’. The answer is fairly simple – circles are easier to make, easier to move and easier to fit (as you don’t have to deal with lining up any angles for the perfect fit). What’s more, and perhaps most importantly, they won’t fall down the manhole if not lined up properly. Of course, you’ll notice that manhole covers come in all kinds of different sizes and shapes, you just need to view our product range to see what we mean – but if you were wondering specifically about round manhole covers, now you know why.

Fun fact: Interestingly, this is a question that may not only draw the attention of industry workers and curious members of the public but it’s also classed as a tricky brainteaser interview question that was first asked by Microsoft. So, if you’ve got an interview coming up and you’ve read our post, you’re already well prepared.

How to cover a manhole cover

All buildings projects will require covers for manholes, for both aesthetic reasons and safety. Covered manholes blend better with their surroundings as you can use the same materials to fill in the cover as the rest of the building project flooring. This is where recessed manhole covers are useful. They’re the easiest way to ‘cover’ a manhole cover, as concrete, or whatever material you’re using, can be used to fill in the cavity on the top, creating a seamless base that blends in perfectly. Opting for recessed manhole covers still offers the convenience of easy access to the drainage system, yet they’re still strong enough to be suitable for both pedestrians and vehicles. Recessed manhole covers are the perfect solution to hide the access to the drainage system whilst still providing the necessary access for water companies.  

Where can I buy a manhole cover?

Once you know what type of manhole cover you need, buying replacement manhole covers is straight forward. At Drainfast, we supply a large variety of manhole covers and grates, including lifting keys, so no matter what replacement cover you need, the chances are we stock it for your building project. All our products are British Standard Approved, and you’ll find our manhole covers are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials for added convenience. If you have any questions about our product range, please feel free to contact us at our head office or visit one of our UK depots.

Mark Chambers Drainfast Team Portrait

Written by
Mark Chambers

Marketing Manager

As Marketing Manager, Mark plays an active role in running strategic projects to increase our brand profile.

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