Sourcing replacement manhole covers

wilts0

Having a bit of a nightmare finding replacement covers for some broken ones on the waste system.
One cover measures in at 800mm x 500mm and the other 650mm x 500mm

I assume that if sourcing a cover isn't possible, a new frame is needed?

JGB1955

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Clark-drain-5-Ton-Steel-Manhole-Cover+Frame---450-X-600mm/p/240730?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplp240730&sc_intid=240730&gclid=CjwKCAiAxeX_BRASEiwAc1QdkZUMe0wVy22I8GtgrAUgOKUKlR5ddQX2ugM26Weta6ohJj1DeyIp8hoCwoQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds is likely to fit the second of your problems.

Doozergirl

Yes, unfortunately it isn't easy to find a replacement cover only.  Even if they're the right size they may not be the right fit and you're advised to buy the whole frame as well. 

Wasteful, but such is the reality.
 

Le_Kirk

Like you, I tried the usual approaches to finding replacement concrete covers including builders' merchants and even recycling/renovation centres.  Finally (as it was only broken and not missing) I made up a wooden frame with sides, sat the old cover in it and made up the broken bits with a concrete mix.  Before I "poured" the concrete I drilled into the broken edge and fitted some large engineering bolts I had lying around the garage to act as reinforcement.  I was fortunate that I have several inspection chambers dotted around the garden so I swapped the repaired one for a good one that lived down the side between me and neighbour in an area that is not used (much).

tacpot12

If the existing covers are cast iron and you have all the bits, you could look at getting them welded back together. It's quite a specialist job, but worth paying for if the alternative is new frames and covers. I suspect that even repaired cast iron will be better than the modern equivalent. 

olbas_oil

Is it definitely your responsibility? If it is a shared drain (someone else's waste enters the system higher up) then it is the water board's responsibility. They fixed a manhole in my drive, that used to be mine, but became theirs when the law changed.

wilts0

olbas_oil said:

Is it definitely your responsibility? If it is a shared drain (someone else's waste enters the system higher up) then it is the water board's responsibility. They fixed a manhole in my drive, that used to be mine, but became theirs when the law changed.

Definitely ours, it’s a private septic system.

tacpot12 said:

If the existing covers are cast iron and you have all the bits, you could look at getting them welded back together. It's quite a specialist job, but worth paying for if the alternative is new frames and covers. I suspect that even repaired cast iron will be better than the modern equivalent. 

I think I have all the parts yes, it was KO’d when a tree came down in the wooded area which also has our septic system.

Doozergirl said:

Yes, unfortunately it isn't easy to find a replacement cover only.  Even if they're the right size they may not be the right fit and you're advised to buy the whole frame as well. 

Wasteful, but such is the reality.
 

After a further day of research, it looks like a new frame and Alu cover (and cement!) is the easiest route