What is a Manhole Cover & Why Are They Needed?

Have you ever wondered: “what is a manhole cover?” A manhole cover is a removable plate used to close off an opening to a confined space such as a sewer, utility access point, or storm drain. They are typically round or rectangular and drop into or sit atop an underlying frame or structure. Manhole covers are often made from cast iron, ductile iron, steel, concrete, composite materials, or plastic.

While the primary function of a manhole cover is to keep people and debris out of dangerous and/or dirty spaces, they also serve other vital functions. For example, some manhole covers are equipped with tamper-resistant locks that help prevent unauthorized access to sewers and other utility infrastructure. Others have unique designations or I.D. tags that make it easy to identify what type of utility is located below.

How to Identify if Your Property Needs a Manhole Cover

If you’re unsure whether your property needs a manhole cover, there are a few things you can look for:

• Check for any visible openings in the ground that could lead to a confined space. These are typically round or rectangular shaped and range in size from small (e.g., 18 inches in diameter) to large (e.g., 36 inches in diameter).
• Look for utility infrastructure such as water mains, sewer lines, storm drains, etc., that may require access via a manhole cover.
• Contact Manhole Covers Direct to speak with one of our experts. We’ll be happy to help you determine if your property needs a manhole cover and, if so, what type would be best suited for your needs.

How to Choose the Right Manhole Cover for Your Needs

When it comes to choosing a manhole cover, there are a few things you’ll need to consider:

• The size and shape of the opening
• The type of utility or confined space that will be accessed via the manhole cover
• The weight and traffic load that the manhole cover will need to support
• Any special requirements such as tamper-resistant locks, I.D. tags, etc.

Once you’ve considered all these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the best manhole cover for your needs. If you have any questions or need help selecting the right product, our experts will be happy to assist you.

Choose Manhole Covers Direct

No matter the specific requirements, Manhole Covers Direct can custom fabricate any size manhole cover to fit your needs. We offer a variety of materials and finishes, and our experienced team can help you choose the best option for your application. Contact us today to learn more!