@help on the water-manhole cover trouble

[Mattr82]

Needed to pull the manhole cover to unclog a bunch of grass I sucked up. Can't get the one manhole cover back into place. Advice? On the cheasapeke bay, going to be a bummer if I can't use the boat this weekend. Anyone know of local places to purchase a replacement?

 

[Dean P]

Sometimes mine was a PIA to get it back in there. Once you think it aligned, try leaning it slightly to the front or to the back and then try to push on the base. Just make sure there is nothing preventing it from going down.

Do you think is is damaged?

 

[sunbyrned]

I just lube it up with whatever you have available, even water. Pour water on the rubber gasket and pour water around the rim where it sits. This can also help flush out any dirt that be in the grooves where the dog ears lock into.

 

[sunbyrned]

Did you get it working?

 

[Mattr82]

Thanks for the responses, used some Vaseline on the flexible rubber ring that seats down into the groove. Worked like a charm. I mean, another guy and myslf struggled with this thing for two hours. We lubed it up good, and "presto", it slides the whole way into place with no difficulty at all!

Its hard to believe that little bit of rubber can keep that part from seating correctly, and give that much consternation to get into place.

 

[sunbyrned]

Awesome! Do you use EZLocks to keep them in place?

 

[Mattr82]

I do not. I suppose I should.

 

[sunbyrned]

I do not. I suppose I should.

I would highly recommend them. Speaking from experience, a blown plug can ruin your summer. I won’t go out without them any more. I only bring it up now that your plugs are well lubricated. The EZLocks prevent them from blowing. Something to consider.

 

[buckbuck]

I will join @sunbyrned and encourage you to get them. It is a low cost insurance policy.

 

[Julian]

And if they are that much trouble, I'd buy the rebuild kit and repair them.