Why are manhole covers round?

Oddly enough, it's because of the way it was designed. A manhole cover cannot fall into it's hole, it's physically impossible at any angle (assuming no serious damage). Don't ask my why I know that.

This kind of question is why I like this place. It was valid and received smart responses. Well done SW.

Pipes are round including the one connected to the manhole, tunnels are cut round

because men aren't square?

So they cant fall down in the hole

Circle is stronger

That’s not true.


Telecommunications manholes are square / rectangular.

Stormwater and Sewer are usually round.

No guess work needed to place the cover in, and it's impossible for it to fall in. I occasionally asked this question during interviews.

Alabamian alert!!! Alabamian alert!!!! Methane scrubbers activated!!!

Because the manholes the cover are round.

🤣😂🤣

I would imagine a square would be uncomfortable

I imagine so they don't fall in.

That's the shape of a manhole

Should they be shaped like vaginas?

Becuase if they were square, a square plate can fall through it its on an angle. (like diagonally).
A circle wont, as it's length and width are the same all the way round.
Even if you put the cover on its side... It still won't fall through.

They were born that way