DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Replacing a failed galvanised manhole cover at my house.
Looking to put in a wrought iron one but the existing one is a non-standard size, 620x470. The shaft is 590x430 which seems a bit tight for a 600x450 cover? The brickwork is sound and clean but the top inch or two relies on mortar.
What solution would the hive mind go for?

Hi andykent,
You could either use a larger cover, Clarke make a 675 square one, or reduce the shaft size by laying a course of quarry tiles overhanging the shaft walls.
If the cover is in a drive select a cover designed to take vehicles.
Regards S

Thanks. So is it common practice to go larger as long as one can break the ground OK?
Was thinking possibly 750x600 as the passageway it's in is quite narrow. Only foot and cycle traffic.

Hi andykent,
If you're going that much larger you should create a concrete ring to support the frame.
Since it's only foot traffic normal practice would be to use quarrytiles or slates to reduce the shaft size.
Regards S