Manhole Covers

How to repair manhole covers:

Common Reasons for Replacing Manhole Covers

  • Damage or Cracks: Over time, manhole covers can crack, corrode, or break due to heavy traffic, weather exposure, or age, creating safety hazards.

  • Improved Safety: A secure, level, and non-slip manhole cover helps prevent accidents for pedestrians and vehicles.

  • Water Ingress Prevention: Replacing old or ill-fitting covers helps prevent rainwater from entering the drainage system, reducing the risk of blockages or overflows.

  • Odour Control: Modern covers often seal better, helping to contain unpleasant sewer or drain odours.

  • Upgraded Load Rating: Heavier-duty covers may be needed when driveways or paths are upgraded to withstand vehicles or heavy foot traffic.

  • Better Fit & Alignment: Older covers may shift or become loose—new ones provide a more stable, flush fit with surrounding surfaces.

  • Aesthetic Improvement: New covers can improve the overall appearance of a driveway, patio, or pathway, especially recessed covers that can be tiled or paved to match the surrounding area.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Building works or inspections may require upgrading to covers that meet current safety or access standards.

New manhole cover

Manhole Covers Fitted

The original manhole cover and frame were damaged and no longer safe.
I carefully removed the broken parts and installed a brand-new, heavy-duty replacement to ensure long-term durability and safety.

Removing the cover and preparing the base

Manhole Covers Fitted

This old manhole frame was removed and the opening prepared for the new one.
I like to use PVA or SBR on the surfaces for a better bond.

This frame fits the opening perfectly. They do come in different sizes so its important to measure before ordering.

Mixing the cement

The white solution is SBR mixed with water which will enhance the performance of the cement. We mixed the ratio to 3 sand and 1 cement. This is generally a good mix for ground work. Materials were supplied by Selco Builders warehouse

Manhole Covers Fitted

Care needs to be taken not to drop debris and cement into the manhole, especially on deeper manholes where removing debris is difficult.

Finishing the job

I used a plastic float and a soft brush to finish to surrounding surfaces.

The cement laid level with the frame and sides levelled in. SBR helps because it prevents cracking and speeds up setting time.

A great tip!
If you do drop debris into the manhole, it must be removed. If its deep this can
be a daunting task. You will need to have a small piece of plastic guttering handy, cut a piece about 8-10 inches
and drill a hole roughly in the middle and screw it to the end of a batten or stick. You can then lower
this into the drain run and use another stick to push the debris onto the gutter and lift out.

If it happens to you, you’ll thank me for this.

If you would like your manhole covers renewed, please contact us for a free estimate.

More projects on concreting here

For manhole blockages in Redbridge contact Thames water.