Sewer access / manhole cover.

[TDack]

I’ve got this access point/manhole cover in my garden and as you can see, over the years and when having an extension done the ground has sunk. This is the whole garden, not just around the manhole cover. I need to get the garden levelled and Re-turfed but then I’ll have this horrible thing sticking up like a chimney!

Is there any was I can get rid of it? I think it’s public. There’s also another manhole cover about 10’ away which I think goes to the same sewer although that looks more like a regular one and less like a concrete chimney.

 

[noseall]

Reducing biscuits like yours often mean a large chamber beneath. Can you firk around under the wide rim of concrete and expose the chamber sides, or lift the lid if the grabbers aren't shot.

 

[bobasd]

The manhole opening below the cover is approx the diameter of the concrete ring.
Its a pretty big manhole for a single residential back garden - possibly your sewer line runs deep or the sewer line is shared with neighbours?

The metal cover will be simple to lift but heavy.
Remove soil from around the concrete ring and you will expose how its connected to the manhole itself.

Before doing any work maybe it would be best to make inquiries with your utility ref this matter.

Ground sinking is often a serious business - esp over a "whole garden"?

fwiw: this kind of task is usually beyond DIY work.

 

[Nige F]

This is the whole garden, not just around the manhole cover. I need to get the garden levelled and Re-turfed but then I’ll have this horrible thing sticking up like a chimney!
.

You can level the garden - maybe hire/borrow a rotavator. Worst case scenario for the manhole - leave it sticking up and make a feature of it - upright sleepers etc. Then pots on top .

 

[bobasd]

TDack,
Are you any further along with exposing the how the ring is connected?

 

[HERTS P&D]

That manhole cover should lift up, you have one good handle but would need a couple of large screw drivers/levers. Once lifted, post some more pictures.

Andy

 

[TDack]

I’ll open it up and post some more pics. ThKis everyone.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Be careful not to drop the manhole cover into the manhole.

Andy

 

[noseall]

Ground sinking is often a serious business

Fairly common (settling) around deep drains and can take years.

 

[TDack]

Pics attached of the manhole open. Sorry it took so long, work got in the way!

 

[Nige F]

The metal cover will be simple to lift but heavy.

Is that the metal cover that's filled with concrete ?

 

[plastic_peanut]

Cant you just level the garden and build it up around the drain. Cover the round part and leave the rectangular section and lid visible. Then put a large planter on top

 

[frutbunn]

It is almost certainly a public sewer and you really shouldn't be touching it. Speak to your local water company.