Dlilling Through A Manhole Cover

[woofgang]

I have got the kind of manhole covers on my patio, that have the block paving fitted into them so that they vanish into the patio. I used to be able to lift them at need by lifting on end then sliding it off. Obviously this needs to be done very rarely and they tend to get set fast....also i and my back are not so young as we were.

I had to lift one a few days ago as the garden stated to fill up with water. My neighbour helped me to get it up but it was a huge struggle and its going to be another one getting it back again. I was wondering about drilling some holes, either through the corners where the lifting keyholes are, or straight through the brick so that if the garden fills again, i won't have to lift the covers.

I know I could change them out for lightweight metal covers but the fittings in the patio are for the deep kind and I don't really want to see metal rectangles all over my patio.

So knowledgable types (Builder???) can you see any flaw in my plan?

[woofgang]

oh arrrgh, typo in the heading

[woofgang]

how much??????? to keep in store just in case the garden floods?????? thanks for the suggestion but no thanks!

[Old_Geezer]

:-) maybe not, but it does suggest you may be able to rig something up with a crowbar and something to act as a fulcrum.

No expert but I don't see anything seriously wrong with your plan. Although if the trouble is with the weight rather than getting a grip, it may not prove to be the solution you need.

[woofgang]

OG there is no gap to get anything down. I have a pry bar but the fit is too tight

[The Builder]

Woofters, it rather depends on what system the manhole is in. Is it "foul" drains or simply rainwater?

If a foul drain, then you may have a problem with smell. You could probably live with it, or it may not be noticeable.

Small holes drilled through the brick will probably bung up fairly quickly with leaves/silt etc. Then you'll be back where you started.

A good idea may be to gouge out the grouting around one paver. Take it out and cut a good sized hole in the metal tray/holder (if it's that type)
If it's the type where the pavers sit on a grid, then no drilling needed.

With one loose brick, it would be easy to lift it out in times of flood.

[woofgang]

A loose brick!! brilliant idea, thank you!! Its an odd setup Builder (at least I think its odd) the drain takes away rainwater and the drainage from the kitchen but not from the bathrooms and loos. odd or not, it seems a bit of luck though! The blocks in the manhole covers are loose laid and grouted with fine sand so it should be easy enough to get one out...will report back and thanks again.