5 reasons manhole covers become stuck

Manhole covers are an essential part of urban infrastructure, ensuring access to underground utilities and systems, whilst also ensuring that the same infrastructure is safe and secure. However, these covers regularly become difficult to lift. Here are five common reasons manhole covers can become stuck:

1. Corrosion and Rust

Over time, exposure to the elements can cause metal manhole covers to corrode or rust. When rust forms, it creates friction between the cover and the surrounding surface, making it difficult to lift. In extreme cases, the cover may fuse to the frame entirely. Regular maintenance, including coating with anti-corrosion materials, can help mitigate this issue.

2. Sediment and Debris Buildup

Manholes often accumulate dirt, leaves, gravel, and other debris around their edges. When this debris builds up over time, it can wedge itself between the manhole cover and the frame, causing a tight seal. In such cases, the debris prevents the cover from moving freely, creating a significant amount of friction. Regular cleaning and debris removal can prevent this from becoming a recurring problem.

3. Uneven Settling of the Road Surface

Over time, the ground surrounding a manhole cover can shift or settle due to natural subsidence (the sinking or settling of the ground surface) or the heavy weight of traffic passing over it. This uneven settling can cause the manhole cover to become misaligned with the frame, making it harder to lift. The irregularities in the surface can also create pressure points where the cover sticks, requiring extra force or tools to remove.

4. Improper Installation or Maintenance

If a manhole cover was improperly installed or maintained, it may not sit correctly on its frame, leading to issues with removal. For instance, the cover may be too tightly fit, or the frame may be warped. Additionally, if the cover was installed with the wrong type of seal or locking mechanism, it can be difficult to open. Ensuring that proper installation and regular maintenance protocols are followed can prevent these problems from occurring.

5. Heavy Traffic and Vibration

Frequent traffic, particularly from heavy vehicles, can have a long-term impact on the manhole cover’s ability to be removed easily. Vibrations from passing trucks and buses can cause the cover to settle more deeply into the frame over time, making it more challenging to lift. The weight of these vehicles can also cause the cover to become wedged in place due to the pressure exerted on it.

Conclusion

While manhole covers are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily traffic and environmental factors, there are several reasons why they can become stuck. Corrosion, sediment buildup, uneven settling, improper installation, and the effects of heavy traffic all contribute to this problem.

Regular inspection, maintenance, and cleaning can help these covers remain functional and easy to lift, but some will inevitably become stuck. When operatives encounter stuck covers, their attempts at opening them are time-consuming and, with many operatives utilising unsafe methodologies, result in an increased risk of injury. Many attempts are also ineffective, resulting in damaged covers or frames which must be replaced.

The CoverUp Key provides a solution to this common problem. Using extreme upward impact force, it allows operatives to raise stuck covers safely, quickly and efficiently.

To learn more about what makes The CoverUp Key so effective – and why it’s time to establish best practice for stuck covers – download our whitepaper ‘How to raise manhole and inspection covers safely’ here.