The purpose of drainage holes is to ensure that water drains properly into the sewer and does not spill out. The purpose of sewer covers is to prevent people from falling into the sewer holes and easily locate their locations when needed. These covers ruin the beauty of your place or garden.
These are usually placed in the middle of various unwanted paces. But by following some creative ideas you can easily hide these sewer covers. You can easily hide these covers using rocks, paints, and artificial turf.
There are plenty of options for this purpose. In this article, we will discuss how you can hide sewer covers in the yard.
How to Hide sewer cover in the yard (Easy to Follow Guide)
The beauty and aesthetics of a beautiful yard can easily be ruined with the presence of one or multiple sewer covers. This issue can be treated in multiple ways.
Using your common sense and imagination powers, you can also create unique ideas to treat it. You can also use social media like Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest as a source of unique and cool ideas regarding this context.
Method 1: Landscaping Techniques
Here we are mentioning some landscaping techniques that are easy to set up and can effectively hide the sewer covers.
concealing a sewer cover with plants and other elements
For this purpose, you must choose some small, lightweight ground cover or shrubs. These plants don’t need any solid soil to grow. These can grow in gates, walls, or anywhere.
You need to use them to cover the sewer cover. For it, you need to dig the surrounding area of the sewer to cover any need to place the roots of the plants you have chosen.
You need to place them evenly. These plants don’t need much attention; they can crevice on their own accord. You can also plant some plants directly on the top of the sewer cover. You need to choose such plants that need low maintenance and planting efforts. In rainy areas, this method is very effective.
If you do not intend to plant something on the sewer cover or drainage gate, you can plant some leafy or bushy plants 2 feet away from the gate. Place these bushes very close to each other so no one can easily step over them.
Choosing sewer cover-friendly plants: factors to consider
To make sure that a plant is appropriate for the area near a sewer cover, consider the following factors:
- Soil conditions: The soil of the area near a sewer cover must have a well-draining system, as standing water or excess moisture get easily in such areas.
- Light exposure: Make sure that the plant you chose for this purpose can withstand low light or survive in shade. That is because the areas near the sewer covers may have limited exposure to sunlight.
- Pollution tolerance capabilities: You need to consider those plants known to have high tolerance potential against pollutants and heavy metals. That is because the soil near sewer covers may contain pollutants from runoff.
- Name of those plans that can be used to hide a sewer cover: Here we are mentioning some plants that you can choose for covering the sewer cover. You need to choose the plan depending on the position of the cover, and its surroundings.
Some plants that can thrive in the above-mentioned conditions include: Sedges, Hardy Impatiens, Ferns, Japanese iris, Daylilies, Hostas, etc.
You must remember that each plant space is a specific comfort zone and needs specific growing conditions and requirements. So conduct proper research on the plant before choosing it for the above context.
Method 2: Structural solutions
A sewer cover can ruin the entire beauty of a lawn or garden. But with a proper structure, you can easily cover it up or hide it behind some attractive structure. Here, we mention a few structural solutions that you can consider when trying to hide sewer cover in the yard.
- Decking: You can easily create a seating area for outdoor living by creating a deck over the sewer cover. You can use wood or composite materials to build it. The cost and construction time will vary depending on the size and complexity of the deck.
- Stone or concrete patios: You can also use a stone or concrete patio in your garden for designing purposes, incorporate the sewer cover, and hide it from open view. This type of structure will require a professional to install and will likely cost more than a deck.
- Fences or walls: A wooden or masonry fence or wall can also be built around the sewer cover to conceal it. This option will have a higher cost and construction time, but can also serve as a privacy barrier to the yard.
While installing any structure, in your yard or garden, become very selective and choose the best option that fits well in the overall design of the place. By choosing any of the above-mentioned options you can easily hide the sewer cover without hampering its functionality and add some beauty to your place.
Maintenance and Self-Care Tips
The above-mentioned ways to hide sewer cover in the yard, don’t need very high maintenance. But, some little effort you need to put in if you want to retain the yard’s beauty.
Tips:
- Avoid placing any heavy objects on the cover, as this can cause damage to it.
- Keep the landscaping or structures that conceal the sewer cover in good condition. From time to time trim the overgrown plants and if any damages to structures are detected, repair them as early as possible.
- Regularly remove the debris or leaves that accumulate around the sewer cover.
If the sewer cover needs to be accessed for repairs or maintenance:
- Locate the sewer cover and make sure it’s safe to access.
- If necessary, remove all landscaping or structures that had concealed the cover.
- Use a wrench or tool to loosen and remove the cover.
- Perform any necessary repairs or maintenance.
- Replace the cover and secure it tightly.
- Replace all the landscaping or structures that were removed.
Accessing a sewer cover can be dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional. If you’re unsure about accessing the cover or performing repairs, contact your local water or sewer company for assistance.
Is it illegal to cover a drain cover?
In general, there is no issue if you cover a drain cover, to retain the beauty of the place. But, you have to make sure that the cover remains accessible for maintenance and emergency access. Some cities and states of the USA have some regulations about what types of structures can be placed over the drain covers.
So it’s a good idea to check the site of your local building or environmental department and ensure that you don’t violate any regulations. So, officially covering a drain cover is not illegal, but you must have easy accessibility for cleaning purposes.
If there are any severe obstacles on the cover and you don’t open it for a long time, then the drain will not be cleaned regularly and it can ruin the drainage system and lead to damage to public or private property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you cover a drain with grass?
Yes, it is possible to cover a drain with grass. This is the most popular and easy way to cover any sewer cover. But, you need to make sure that the cover remains accessible for maintenance and emergency access.
Can I put gravel over the drain?
Yes, you can put gravel over a drain, but it’s important to ensure the cover remains accessible for maintenance and emergency purposes. You need to choose the gravel size that fits well with the overall design of the place.
Can you cover a drain with rocks?
Yes, you can use it for this purpose. But you have to ensure that the drainage system is not affected by it and that the covered remains accessible. So that it can be used in any emergency.
Can you build an extension over a drain cover?
Yes, you can do it. But, you need to ensure that it will not cause any harm to the main drainage system. In some conditions, you may need permission from the dignified authority.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, hiding a sewer cover in the yard can easily enhance your outdoor space’s beauty while not interrupting its functionality.
You can use various landscaping elements like rocks, gravel, and grass or build an extension to conceal the sewer cover; but it must remain accessible for maintenance and emergency access.
It’s essential to follow any regulations set by the local authorities. You have to keep the cover clear of debris. So that the drainage system remains functional. A hidden sewer cover can be a great addition to your yard with proper care and maintenance.
