Concreted in inspection chamber

[williamglossop]

Pics attached. I assume this is an i/c for the downspout in the back corner. The muppet that did the drive (b4 i lived here) seems to have concreted in the i/c.

Do u think it is an inspection chamber, or something else? If it is, how best to get it open..... angle grind the perimeter and smash the concrete up? Not too bothered about the mess, I hate the driveway and will be re-doing it eventually.

ignore the Collie thats longing to get out

 

[23vc]

Is that a metal frame it’s set in? If so it could be one of those concealed ones but they normally have handles. Try just prizing it up with a bar. It would make no sense to have the stones cut like that, if it wasn’t designed to be lifted. Unless it was a historical repair maybe.

 

[williamglossop]

Its in some kind of frame I think. I have tried to prize it up, but it didn't budge. Perhaps its not an I/C after all, and it could be a repair i guess. Ill have a closer look tomorrow.

Its that awful pressed concrete that was all the rage in the 90's.

 

[mattylad]

WHats in the small hole?
Could it be a method of unlocking or lifting it perhaps?

 

[williamglossop]

Thats just a bit of moss off the roof matty

Think I might be special....... it is a hole Matty, can't belive I've never seen it. Better pic attached. Its some kind of galvanised cover. Still not sure how to lift it......

 

[23vc]

Brute force and a flat bar and lump hammer

 

[williamglossop]

Yeah, ill knock f**k out of it 2moz n see how i get on.

 

[CBW]

Dig the moss out, it might be a lockable type.

 

[williamglossop]

How do u unlock them?

 

[HERTS P&D]

A good way to clean out the joint is with a pressure washer, make sure you wear safety glasses. Or cut inbetween the cover and lid with a small angle grinder and a 1mm disc.

Then use 2 very large screw drivers and slowly use them to jamb into the joint and lever the cover up with both screwdrivers in a up and down movement.

I have done it many times.

Andy

 

[CBW]

Depends on what’s been used. It might be a square head type. Check the other end as well, in case there’s anything there - where the cement is.

 

[Ian H]

I’d give it some abuse with a maul, then verbally, then try and knock a really thin bolster chisel down between the lid and frame.

 

[williamglossop]

This isn't going well.....
I've virtually bent the entire frame back now, got two really strong screwdrivers into the cleft that got really good purchase with the lid, and it didn't budge at all. What kind of keys might I need if its locked..... took these pics. There is a circle hole about 10mm diameter at each end on the centre line.

 

[SFK]

Manhole cover keys:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=manhole+lifter&_osacat=0

https://www.toolstation.com/manhole...MI-azv_s_I7gIVeYFQBh2HRA5QEAQYAiABEgJ8ofD_BwE


I would put a key in.
Make a platform (pile) of flat wood on ground next next to key to make a fulcrum point.
Put my crowbar or pry bar on this wood, end of bar into handle of key and lift it to break joint, and then lift again by a couple of cm to get screw driver into gap.

Then do again on other side.

SFK

 

[williamglossop]

OK, so I've tried it with the hooks..... massive crowbar on the end and a piece of wood as a fulcrum..... the keys have just started to pull through the metal...... that how much its stuck down. I can only conclude that its actually locked in place. Are there such things as locking manhole covers?

Cancel that...... I've looked in the hole and there's nothing in there to turn. Angle grinder next