Manhole Cover/Access is it still in use? Can I fill it?

[Adam Bill]

I have the following manhole cover in the middle of my front garden and it is becoming hazardous as the cover has become so brittle and loose that if someone steps on it I am worried they will fall through!

With this in mind I looked to replace, due to it being in the middle of the garden I thought I would look to replace with a recessed cover and put grass over the top but the more I look it doesn't seem to be in use and am wondering if I would be able to fill and turf over the top? Would anyone be able to tell of this is still in use or how to find this out and whether or not I would be able to fill it and turf over?

 

[ree]

OP,
Yes, you are right that the cover and frame have become dangerous.
The manhole was constructed with pre-cast concrete sections that appear to be in good condition.
If you do go with renewing the cover then the frame must also be replaced - they do the covers and frames in matching pairs. Dont attempt to repair the cover or frame just replace with heavier items.

But first you need to identify what was or is the purpose of the manhole?
Based on what you show and say then definitely dont just fill the manhole or "hide" it.
Do you have any other manholes on your property or just outside it?
Is (or was) your main sewage pipe shared with a neighbour?
Where is your soil pipe in relation to the manhole?

If at some time you go down the manhole to clear the base then have someone else standing by.

 

[noseall]

I have the following manhole cover in the middle of my front garden and it is becoming hazardous as the cover has become so brittle and loose that if someone steps on it I am worried they will fall through!

With this in mind I looked to replace, due to it being in the middle of the garden I thought I would look to replace with a recessed cover and put grass over the top but the more I look it doesn't seem to be in use and am wondering if I would be able to fill and turf over the top? Would anyone be able to tell of this is still in use or how to find this out and whether or not I would be able to fill it and turf over?

As long as the lid is intact and can't shift about (is restrained) I don't see an issue. A new frame and cover would be only a few quid in any case.

What is that chamber servicing?

 

[Adam Bill]

I have absolutely no idea what it is servicing, it is not water as have contacted the water supplier and they state it is nothing to do with them so don't really have any idea what it is servicing?

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Is that water in the bottom or a surface?

I can't see any pipes.

You should dig/pump out whatever it's full of and work out what it's for. It looks like someone's gone to a fair bit of trouble to build it, so it clearly had a purpose!

Private drains will not show on any public records, even if connected downstream to a sewer. That is normal.