Categories
Groundwork Paving

Upgrading a Manhole Cover in Long Eaton: Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

An old, damaged, or ill-fitting drain cover isn’t just an eyesore—it poses a serious tripping hazard and can allow unpleasant drain odours or surface water to compromise your property. We recently completed a manhole lid replacement job for a client in Long Eaton, restoring both safety and functionality to their outdoor space.

The Project Scope

The original installation had seen better days, requiring a complete frame and cover replacement. Accessing the brick-built inspection chamber meant carefully removing the surrounding compromised concrete without damaging the underlying brickwork or pipe channels.

Before we could start we had to cut a padlock off the gate (new padlock and keys delivered to householder and estate agent)

Here is how the repair was executed step-by-step:

  1. Excavation & Frame Prep: We cut back the damaged concrete around the perimeter using a disc cutter to create a clean boundary. The old frame was removed, exposing the brick inspection chamber beneath.
  2. Setting the New Frame: A fresh bed of high-strength mortar was laid directly onto the brickwork to ensure a level, watertight seal. The new recess frame was positioned flush with the surrounding ground level.
  3. Haunching & Concrete Fill: Fresh concrete mix was troweled smoothly around the frame to anchor it firmly into place, ensuring it can withstand regular foot traffic without cracking or shifting.
  4. Fitting the Clark-Drain Lid: A durable, galvanized steel Clark-Drain cover complete with quick-release lifting handles was seated into the recessed frame for a flush finish.

Why Replace an Old Drain Cover?

  • Eliminate Trip Hazards: Sinking or cracked covers create dangerous uneven surfaces around side alleys and driveways.
  • Prevent Odours & Pest Access: A sealed, properly bedded frame keeps drain smells contained and deters rodents.
  • Durable & Weather-Resistant: Modern galvanized steel covers like Clark-Drain units offer superior rust protection compared to aging cast-iron covers.

Need drain repairs or manhole cover replacements in Long Eaton or surrounding areas? Contact us today for a quick quote!

Categories
Brickwork Renovation

Brick wall repointing

The wall had been in place for approximately 130 years and needed some TLC. We removed the Staffordshire blue the coping  stones, repointed the wall and refitted the coping stones.

We used standard cement and yellow building sand, a few of the bricks could have been replaced but the client wished to patch up the wall to minimise expenditure. The work took 2 days for one of our skilled bricklayers to complete.

various bricks are blowing, but the customer wanted to minimise the spend so we simply patched up as best we could. Sometimes it is possible to chop out a blown brick and then use the other inward facing side on the outside. however in practice if the face of a brick has blown then when extracting the brick from the wall it tends to break up and can’t be reused.