Metrowater maintain over 60,000 manholes across Auckland City.  A manhole is an inspection point for the drainage system, and allows Metrowater to check the pipe condition and undertake maintenance to prevent pipe blockages and subsequent flooding.

We appreciate the assistance of the community to report dislodged manhole covers so we can respond quickly to resolve the issue. Because of Metrowater’s focus on safety, we treat all manhole cover dislodgements as the highest priority, which means our crews are tasked to attend the site within an hour.

If you see a dislodged manhole cover, please contact Metrowater's 24-hour Network Service Centre on 0800 FOR WATER (0800 367 928)

What causes a manhole cover to become dislodged?

Manhole covers are rarely moved unintentionally.  The covers are very heavy, and normally require some form of leveraged assistance to lift.  Most also require a special key.

On the rare occasion a manhole cover is dislodged, the usual causes are:

·         the drainage pipe backs up, filling the manhole and lifting the cover.  The pipe may back-up due to a blockage downstream, or if heavy rainfall exceeds the capacity of the pipe.

·         the cover is displaced by a vehicle passing over it – usually this has to be particularly heavy vehicle, and/or needs to be turning or in some way applying undue force to the manhole cover.

Where are they?

Drainage manholes are normally set into the ground and, if on the road, footpath or in a driveway, will be flush with the surrounding concrete or tar-seal.

Manholes on grass or amongst trees, such as in Auckland City’s parks and reserves, are normally raised slightly above the ground with concrete so that they are more visible.

What should I look for?

When properly fitted the manhole cover will completely cover the hole and sit flush with the manhole external rim.

A dislodged manhole cover will be obvious as the cover will be partially or completely removed from the manhole, exposing some or all of the hole into the ground.