How to open a sewer drain cover please

MrsBartolozzi

My drain is blocked and I need to open a manhole cover in my garden. The trouble is that this one has what look like big metal screws holding it in (cover in back garden has no "screws" and previous blockages were accessible through this one). I've tried using the biggest screwdriver we have with no sign of it budging. Do I need a special tool? I looked on B&Q and they only have a T shaped key thing which is no use as far as I can see.

All help appreciated.

daveyjp

Impact driver and a big hammer.

MrsBartolozzi

So it is just a big screw then? I was concerned that there might be a bit more to it. <Goes for a rummage in the shed>.

Mr_Ted

Try using a masonary chisel that fits the width of the screw with a spanner on the chisel and lots of WD40

Failing that you may need to adapt a chisel by filing it to fit or make something that will fit the screw slot.

If all else fails then it will be a matter of chiseling of the head of the screw with a sharp masonary chisel about half the width of the screw head by angling the chisel slightly in the screw slot and beating the hell out of it until it is cut off, usually needs to be done to each side of the screw head from the slot, which are usually hardened steel and will snap quite easily, and replacing at a later date!

Use goggles tho because of possible flying metal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

keystone

and when you've finished mullering it to death it might just be quicker and easier on the emotional account to find someone whose got the correct tool to release it.

Mr_Ted

keystone wrote: »

and when you've finished mullering it to death it might just be quicker and easier on the emotional account to find someone whose got the correct tool to release it.

The problem is the correct tool usually doesnt exist as when new and still greased an ordinary large screwdriver is the correct tool!

When the screw thread under the cover becomes corroded and as its inaccessible then unfortunately mullering is the only option???

On something smaller drilling the scew out and retapping the thread would be the best option but on something large it is not usually possible unless your a specialist tradesman, and even then mullering can be the quickest and easiest option as once the screw head is off you can deal with the real problem of the blocked drain, which is the urgent requirement here?

After thats dealt with the actual screw remnant, i,e, the threaded part can usually be removed by the use of a good pair of grips, and then replaced?

keystone

Mr_Ted wrote: »

The problem............

Snip

snip

........be removed by the use of a good pair of grips, and then replaced?

Yes you are probably correct but just having noticed the OPs sig perhaps the use of various incantations (whether Sumerian or not) might sort the problem without resort to physical violence.

Cheers

Mr_Ted

keystone wrote: »

Yes you are probably correct but just having noticed the OPs sig perhaps the use of various incantations (whether Sumerian or not) might sort the problem without resort to physical violence.

Cheers

:rotfl:you cant say that, its sexist :rotfl:

OddjobKIA

Do be carefull the reason here are screws is because its a pressure lid. Spray some wd40 around it then leave it for a day...hit the surrounding area with a hammer and then try getting a screwdriver that you can lean on and try tightening it first just to break the seal.....enjoy

Mr_Ted

OddjobKIA wrote: »

Do be carefull the reason here are screws is because its a pressure lid. Spray some wd40 around it then leave it for a day...hit the surrounding area with a hammer and then try getting a screwdriver that you can lean on and try tightening it first just to break the seal.....enjoy

Sorry but drains and sewers are not pressurised!

It may well be a double sealed drain cover but that is to prevent ingress not egress!

The only egress it will prevent is smells and double sealed drainage covers are only normally used on internal manholes or where safety issues prevail to prevent covers coming loose?

You are also ignoring the fact that a blockage exists that will cause further problems if not dealt with ASAP so leaving it a day could mean a bigger problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TimBuckTeeth

Do the screws have a hexagon socket head? I used something similar to this :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-38329-Piece-Drain-Plug/dp/B0001K9U32

to remove mine.