Why Drainage Hole Covers Are Round In Cumbria

If you have ever walked down a street in Cumbria, North West England, you might have noticed something peculiar about the manhole and drainage covers on the ground: they are all circular in shape. You might have also wondered why they are round, and not any other shape such as square or rectangular.

The answer lies in the practicality and safety of the circular shape, and it is one of the reasons why Drainage Cumbria, a drainage company based in Cumbria, installs only circular-shaped drainage covers in its services. In this landing page, we will delve deeper into the reasons why drainage hole covers are round in Cumbria.

Introduction to Drainage Cumbria

Before we talk about the round shape of drainage hole covers in Cumbria, let us introduce ourselves. Drainage Cumbria is a drainage company that provides services such as drain unblocking, drain repairs, and CCTV surveys to residents and business owners in Cumbria.

We have over 30 years of experience in the drainage industry, and our team of qualified engineers and technicians use the latest technology and equipment to solve any drainage problems. If you are experiencing any issues with your drainage system, do not hesitate to give us a call at 01228 734162, and we will be happy to help.

Hole Cover and Sewer Terms

Before we dive into the main topic, let us clarify some terms that you might encounter in this article.

• Hole cover: a cover that is placed over an opening in the ground, such as a manhole or a drainage hole.
• Sewer: an underground pipe or tunnel that carries sewage and wastewater from buildings to treatment plants or disposal sites.

Now that we have covered the basics, let's talk about the shape of drainage hole covers in Cumbria.

Circular Covers - The Safe Choice

The circular shape of drainage hole covers is not unique to Cumbria, but it is a common practice in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom.

One of the reasons why circular covers are the preferred choice is safety. Unlike other shapes such as squares or rectangles, circular covers do not have any sharp corners or edges. This means that they are less likely to cause accidents or injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles that pass over them.

If a square or rectangular cover is not placed correctly over the hole, one of its corners or edges might protrude, making it a dangerous hazard. A circular cover does not have this issue, as it fits the circular opening perfectly, leaving no sharp edges or corners exposed.

Furthermore, circular covers are also easier to install and remove than other shapes. They can be rotated to any angle and still fit the opening perfectly, making them more flexible and convenient than squares or rectangles.

The Fall Opening and the Circular Cover

Another reason why circular covers are the preferred choice is the shape of the fall opening of the sewer. The fall opening is the opening at the bottom of the manhole that connects to the sewer pipe. It is usually circular in shape to maintain the flow of sewage and wastewater.

If the cover does not fit the fall opening perfectly, the sewage might not flow properly, leading to backups and overflows. A circular cover is the best fit for a circular fall opening, ensuring that the flow of sewage is unobstructed.

History of Circular Covers in Cumbria

Now that we have established the practicality and safety of circular covers, let us talk about why they are specifically used in Cumbria.

Cumbria, like many other parts of the UK, used to have a mix of different shaped covers in the past, including squares, rectangles, and circles. However, in the 1980s, a tragic accident occurred that changed the way drainage companies in Cumbria installed covers.

In 1984, a four-year-old girl named Jessica Small fell into a drain hole while playing with her sister in Cockermouth, Cumbria. The hole was covered with a square-shaped cover, which was not placed correctly over the hole, leaving a gap between the edge of the cover and the hole. Jessica fell into this gap and drowned in the sewer below.

The accident sparked a public outcry and led to a change in the regulations governing the installation of sewer and drainage covers. In 1987, the Specification for Highway Works (SHW) was amended to state that all covers on new construction must be circular, and that all existing covers must be replaced with circular ones when they became due for renewal.

Since then, all drainage hole covers in Cumbria have been circular in shape, to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles that pass over them.

Why Choose Drainage Cumbria

At Drainage Cumbria, we are committed to providing high-quality, safe, and efficient drainage services to the residents and business owners of Cumbria.

Our team of qualified engineers and technicians have years of experience in the drainage industry, and we use the latest technology and equipment to solve any drainage problems.

We offer a wide range of services, including drain unblocking, drain repairs, and CCTV surveys, and we are available 24/7, 365 days a year. If you have any drainage issues, give us a call at 01228 734162, and we will be happy to help.

Conclusion

Circular-shaped drainage hole covers might seem like an insignificant detail, but their safety and practicality cannot be overstated. In Cumbria, their circular shape is not just a preference, but a necessity that ensures the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.

At Drainage Cumbria, we take safety seriously, and we are committed to providing high-quality services that prioritize the safety and well-being of our customers. Give us a call at 01228 734162, and let us help you solve any drainage issues you might have.