Motorhome service point drain covers.

[AndrewJC]

New to motorhoming and recently visited a site that had a service point where grey water was emptied in to a drain with a cover (as opposed to a drive over grate)
Almost impossible to shift the cover and the onsite team were less than helpful, and I'm wondering how others manage these? I'm hiring a motorhome in March and won't necessarily have any tools with me, so wondered if there's a technique or hack that I'm missing.

Thanks

 

[SpeedyDux]

Rubber gloves and a tyre lever perhaps. You might also find that the cover is under a layer of someone else's grey water. That's happened to me. Yukk.

 

[AndrewJC]

Rubber gloves and a tyre lever perhaps. You might also find that the cover is under a layer of someone else's grey water. That's happened to me. Yukk.

Yuk indeed!!

 

[Figaro]

Not come across that on a campsite before.
I'd expect the site owner to be more helpful than they were, otherwise I'd let it go in the nearest hedgerow

 

[AndrewJC]

Not come across that on a campsite before.







I'd expect the site owner to be more helpful than they were, otherwise I'd let it go in the nearest hedgerow

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[AndrewJC]

Yeah, must admit I wad surprised, although the site was very busy.

On reflection, I could have probably asked one of the other motorhomers, as they were all very friendly

 

[Speve]

I’ve always got a manhole key in the van for when I need to lift a cover they are not ver expensive.

Manhole Keys | Drain Cover Lifting Keys | Toolstation

Buy manhole keys at Toolstation • Free delivery on all orders over £25 • Click & Collect from your nearest branch • Shop manhole keys today!

www.toolstation.com

 

[AndrewJC]

Is that a specific key? Can I get one from DIY stores?

 

[hja]

Some CAMC sites still have manholes. Largely to do with sites they do not own and cannot redevelop e.g. race course sites. You often have to lift the manhole before positioning van which can be a bit difficult depending on where your outlet is. Sometimes it is easier to have a length of pipe to attach to outlet and then to drain. But I would have thought there was some obligation on site owners to assist. I can’t lift a manhole because of my back. You wouldn’t necessarily know what sort of drain it was until you got there. Personally we are usually on sites where grey goes into the hedge. Another solution, depending on how full your grey tank is, leave it until the next site and empty when you get there.

 

[cyberyacht]

There are still some like that on CAMC sites although there is usually some sort of handle. Doesn't make them any lighter though.

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[AndrewJC]

Some CAMC sites still have manholes. Largely to do with sites they do not own and cannot redevelop e.g. race course sites. You often have to lift the manhole before positioning van which can be a bit difficult depending on where your outlet is. Sometimes it is easier to have a length of pipe to attach to outlet and then to drain. But I would have thought there was some obligation on site owners to assist. I can’t lift a manhole because of my back. You wouldn’t necessarily know what sort of drain it was until you got there. Personally we are usually on sites where grey goes into the hedge. Another solution, depending on how full your grey tank is, leave it until the next site and empty when you get there.

 

[LesW]

Probably not the thing to do, but I'd be inclined to just dump the grey waste over/near the 'opening', people can't be expected to lift heavy manhole covers, let alone start buying 'keys'.

 

[AndrewJC]

Probably not the thing to do, but I'd be inclined to just dump the grey waste over/near the 'opening', people can't be expected to lift heavy manhole covers, let alone start buying 'keys'.

I shall get blacklisted before I've even started

 

[Spriddler]

Is that a specific key? Can I get one from DIY stores?

Just put 'Manhole key Wigan' into Google and you'll get several in Wigan.

Here's just one of them - Travis Perkins, Wigan.

 

[AndrewJC]

Just put 'Manhole key Wigan' into Google and you'll get several in Wigan.







Here's just one of them - Travis Perkins,

Thanks







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[Speve]

Is that a specific key? Can I get one from DIY stores?

The link I gave you takes you to Toolstation but most diy stores will sell them

 

[Landy Andy]

You can get light weight plastic versions which will be more Moho friendly but I really wouldn’t bother. Also often the key ways are full of crap, and stones. If they want you to dump it correctly, they need to make it doable. A flat bladed screwdriver will probably be more use, and able to do the job.

 

[Janine]

I agree about CAMC being the worst for this.

Cheltenham racecourse is one that I have had to use. So difficult if you are a small solo traveller! I had to remove the cover and then manoeuvre the van towards the hole - no mean feat with your fingers crossed that you don’t put a wheel down the hole!

 

[Lenny HB]

I agree about CAMC being the worst for this.

Cheltenham racecourse is one that I have had to use. So difficult if you are a small solo traveller! I had to remove the cover and then manoeuvre the van towards the hole - no mean feat with your fingers crossed that you don’t put a wheel down the hole!

Park a bit away from the hole and use an extension hose.
Our van came with a 2 m extension and I also carry a 15m one.

 

[Bleau’s]

Ferry Meadows has one with 2 handles on if you park over it you have a job to lift it park by the side you block the road

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