Manhole Cover

[patrickstar]

I need to replace my manhole cover (600 x 450) on my concrete driveway. The surrounds for these covers all seem to be plastic and not very big in terms of securing it down. How practical are they and is there anywhere that sells wider surrounds that can be more securely fixed? I am worried that due to the depth and lack of lip my car will eventually move the cover. Many thanks

[The Builder]

Concrete driveway, patrick? Ordinary poured concrete, or concrete pavior blocks?

[spudqueen]

What does the manhole provide access to? If it is for a utility perhaps they would be responsible for replacing it.

[patrickstar]

Ordinary poured concrete with stone chippings in (not the nicest look but cannot afford block paving yet). Covers the water waste access before it joins the main sewer and my responsibility.

[The Builder]

Right. Well they should have used a heavy duty frame & cover. The plastic framed ones are usually for pedestrian traffic.

Any proper builder's merchants will have what you need. You could go for a cast iron one, but I think that's a little over the top.

A little of the concrete will have to be dug up to set the frame in.

[patrickstar]

Thanks 'The Builder'. Job for the weekend then! Once completed how long should it be left before anything drives over it?

[dizmouk2009]

If concreting I'd leave it at least 24 hours. It depends what the weather is like also. We don't seem to be getting any frost yet but sods law you will do when you decide to do the job. If the vehicle isn't sat on the cover then you should be fine driving over it after 24 hours. If you can leave it longer then that would help.

[patrickstar]

Thanks dizmouk2009