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For information about what this website aims to do, how you can contribute - visit the 'About' page either here or via dropdown box (Home) above.
Contact me via Information above or here. I welcome feedback.
There is a great collection of images on this site. I've let them small so hopefully they'll download faster.
Note - the Valve Covers focus on this website tend to be smaller than 300mm - 12 inches. Larger than that they tend to become manhole covers which I leave to others to describe.
Beneath our footpaths and roadways is buried the network of infrastructure that supplies the modern city. Water, gas, telecommunications. Increasingly electricity cables are now underground.
This site will document the covers (lids) primarily of gas and water utilities. The overs protect safety stop cocks which can shut off supply should the need arise.
Whist the term valve cover is used, there are a variety of names:
Cover Boxes, Surface Boxes, Inspection Boxes, Gardener Boxes, Valve Box, Inspection Covers, Metal Covers, Plates, Grates, Drain Covers, Ductile Iron Covers, Muncipal Boxes.
Though my research tends to focus on Melbourne (Australia), as I occasionally visit other cities in the world these will be added for diversity.
The prime focus is to document the older ductile iron covers which are rapidly being replaced by newer covers.
The older covers often have interesting and informative information as in name and design. Little of which is replicated in modern covers.
It would be in interesting to re-vist the modern versions in 50 years and see it they have lasted as long.
Featured image:
#995 - The cover 'F Curtis' is well over 70 years old and still in good condition.
page updated 26 Sept 2016