Types of manhole cover
Covers come in several shapes and sizes. Round and square covers are common. Some are solid, while others are recessed so you can fill the top with paving.
Recessed covers blend into a driveway or patio. Solid covers are cheaper, yet they stand out. Choose the type that suits where the cover sits.
Materials
Common materials include cast iron, steel, plastic and composite. Cast iron is strong and heavy. Plastic and composite covers are lighter and do not rust.
Each has pros and cons. For example, a light cover is easy to lift but may not suit a driveway. Check the load rating before you buy.
Checking the frame
Look at the frame as well as the cover. A cracked or loose frame can rock and make noise. It can also let soil and water into the chamber.
If the frame is damaged, replace it too. A new cover on a bad frame will not sit well. Check that the frame is level.
Measuring for replacement
Measure the clear opening, the frame size and the depth. Write the figures down. Take a photo to show the supplier.
Covers are rated by load classes under the European standard EN 124. For example, a light class suits footpaths, while a heavy class suits roads. Ask the supplier which class suits where yours sits.
Installation
Lift the old cover with the right tool, since covers are heavy. Clean the frame seat and bed the new cover on suitable material. Check it sits flat and does not rock.
Take care when you work near an open chamber. Never climb in yourself, because the air can be unsafe. A professional can fit the cover safely.
What drives the price
The price depends on the size, the material and the load class. Special features such as recessed trays cost more. Labour and access also matter.
We cannot give a fixed price. Ask for a written quote that lists the cover and the work. You can ask for a free quote on our site and we will pass your details on.
Related guides and local help
If you want to know more, read 5 Warning Signs of Pitch Fibre Pipe Failure to Watch For. You can also read Landlord Drainage Responsibilities: What UK Landlords Do and 7 Signs Your Restaurant Drain Needs a Maintenance Contract, because they cover closely related problems.
These guides help too: Home Insurance and Drainage: What Is Covered and What Is Not, Septic Tank Maintenance: A Complete Guide for UK Homeowners, 6 Things That Can Void Your Home Insurance Drainage Claim, Soakaway Problems: Why They Fail and What to Do About It and HMO Plumbing and Drainage: Requirements and Best Practice. Each one explains a related topic in plain English.
Need help near you? Read our drain jetting page first, or see Drain Jetting in Bingley and Drain Jetting in Birkenhead. You can also see Blocked Drains in Cramlington, since every service page has a free quote form. We pass each request to a local drainage engineer.
