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Manhole Covers

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We provide a range of ductile iron manhole covers to suit your needs and budget.

Our iron manhole covers are supplied in a range of diameters and depths. Each of them can come with integral lifting key holes and anti-movement technology.

Whether you're looking for lightweight plastic covers, sturdy stainless steel, or manhole cover frames, our selection has what you need. As a top supplier of manhole access covers in the UK, you can trust that our products meet high standards.

What is a manhole access cover?

Manhole covers are usually found on pedestrian areas like roads, pavements, footpaths, car parks, driveways, and internal floors. They protect people from falling into man-made manhole ‘holes’ and provide workers with access to underground services.

They are sometimes used in building projects so construction workers can gain quick easy and safe access to concealed areas, such as wiring, cabling, drainage and heating.

Manhole access covers, which are also known as drain covers, come with various features and frames. Some can be lifted by one person, and others are purpose-built for everyday use. They can be hinged or lifted out with engineering keys.

Most manhole access covers tend to be square or rectangular and are suited for both indoor and outdoor use. They can be designed to be aesthetically pleasing and match whichever environment they are installed in – making it less likely that you will notice them when you walk past.

What are the benefits of a manhole access cover?

  • Manufactured to high standards – Manufactured in accordance with BS5834 p.2, BS 5834 p.3 and KM93597.
  • BSI Kitemarked –This ensures peace of mind when purchasing this product as it has met the necessary requirements to be granted the British Standard Kitemark logo.
  • Come in various load capacities – You can choose the wheel loads to suit your requirements.
  • Anti-movement technology –To give you peace of mind that it will stay in place.
  • Ductile Iron – Ductile iron improves weight to strength ratio, ensuring your cover can take large amounts of weight and stay intact.
  • Integral lifting key holes – Allowing for easy access, and removal of the cover for inspection of your manhole.
  • Come in various sizes – You can choose the cover length, width and depth that will best fit your manhole.
  • Different materials - Manhole covers can be made from materials like cast iron, ductile iron, galvanised steel, composite materials, or concrete, each offering its own advantages in terms of durability, weight, corrosion resistance, and cost.

Looking for your perfect solution to manhole covers?

We stock a choice of ductile iron manhole access covers and recessed manhole covers in a range of diameters and depths.

Once installed, they can be easily removed/opened to allow access to underground services, such as drainage or electricity. Our manhole covers are heavy-duty and reinforced to ensure effectiveness, as well as being manufactured in accordance with all suitable British Standards.

At Cotterill Civils, we supply a wide range of manhole cover options and frames from some of the UK’s leading manufacturers.

Chat with our team of professionals to get expert advice on which manhole cover is best for your needs. Call us today on 0121 351 3230. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are manhole access covers used for?

Manholes are mainly used for maintenance work or throughout urban infrastructure, covering holes in roads, pavements and car parks. They help keep people and cars from falling, stop unauthorised access, help workers do maintenance, and handle traffic without breaking.

Our ductile iron manhole covers are built to withstand tough environmental conditions, granting entry to underground utility systems like water, sewer, and gas.

For more information on manhole covers and advice on choosing the correct cover for your application, contact Cotterill Civils for assistance.

Is it illegal to build over a manhole cover?

It's not always against the law to build over a manhole cover, but it can cause issues due to local building codes and laws.

Covering a manhole without proper authorisation or ensuring continued access for maintenance and emergencies could lead to safety hazards, utility disruptions, or legal issues.

So, it's essential to check with local authorities and utility companies before building over or near a manhole cover. This helps ensure you follow the rules and prevent potential issues.

What is the difference between manholes and access covers?

Both manhole and access covers have similar designs and purposes. They both cover ground openings to keep them safe and secure. So, the main difference comes down to where you use them.

  • Manhole covers are often known as robust covers made of cast or ductile iron, which are employed to hide and safeguard entry points to drainage systems and various inspection chambers. They are typically found in locations with fast-moving traffic or heavy traffic flow.
  • Access covers are usually made of solid or recessed materials like aluminium, steel, or composite. They offer a discreet appearance for chambers containing utilities like electricity, signalling, and cabling. They are commonly used in areas with traffic speeds below 20mph or pedestrian-friendly or landscaped zones.

Ultimately, whether you call them access or manhole covers, you'll always get the right product as long as your purchasing decision is based on the correct loading specifications for your project.

What's underneath a manhole access cover?

Underneath a manhole access cover, you'll typically find access to underground utility tunnels or infrastructure. This includes sewer lines, storm drains, electrical cables, telecommunication lines, gas pipelines, or water mains - depending on the specific location and purpose of the manhole.

 

The space beneath the cover allows for maintenance, repairs, inspections, and installations of these utilities, providing both physical protection and ensuring the integrity and functionality of essential utilities.

 

For more reasons why you should make us your first choice for manhole covers, check out our article on the benefits of ductile manhole covers or talk to one of our specialists today.


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