Stuck drain cover, any ideas?

[Michael F H]

The photos below show what I'm dealing with. The drain cover is recently wet around the joints even on a dry day - and you can see water through the keyholes. Coupled with the drain-smell in the en-suite that leads directly to this drain cover area makes me think these things are quite possibly related. However, until I can get this cover up, there's not a lot I can do. I've got the tools and there's not even a sniff of movement. Am I right in thinking the green-spot area is fixed and it's the pink-spot area that should be coming up?

 

[Madrab]

Yes, the outer metal edge should be the frame, the inner metal edge should be part of the cover. Use a jet wash to start with and blast clean all around the join.

 

[CBW]

I would personally use a flat bladed screwdriver or an old wood chisel to scrape out the debris. If it’s cement, then using gentle taps with a hammer should loosen it, then try the manhole keys again.

 

[JohnD]

I very much dislike that style of cover, because they are so heavy when full of concrete blocks.

even if not jammed, it would be hard to lift. and the extra weight will make it hard to jar loose.

 

[Madrab]

Guess it depends whether it's a sealed cover or not, if so then using anything sharp or pointed could knacker the seal.

 

[HERTS P&D]

You would need a manhole lifter on that one.

Andy

 

[Michael F H]

Thanks all. I'm going to start with the pressure washer and then onto a hammer/screwdriver. Whatever I can first try without spending money.

 

[Michael F H]

Pressure washer and brute force and ignorance did nothing, I guess I'll have to hire someone / something.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

These can be an absolute bitch to lift, especially after being untouched for a while. I doubt you're going to get it up without damaging anything, but try the easiest options first. Thin chisel or old screwdriver hammered down the joint between cover and frame, see if you can split the 2. If this doesn't work, then look at breaking the join between the 2 sections of slab within the cover, remove these and as much of the weight from the cover as possible, then see if it'll free off anymore.

Also, worth trying a couple of pry bars or similar under each side of the 'T' handle of the key, do one side at a time and see if you can break the joint and lift the cover slightly. By 'rocking' it each end, you might disturb it enough to get it moving.

When you do finally get it lifted, wash down all debris sitting in the frame and around the cover, then apply a liberal dose of grease around the mating faces, and hopefully any future lift will be easier!