House was built in 1964. Slab is about 3 feet across.
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See https://diy.stackexchange.com/a/91102/18078 if not in current use (sewer system added between 1964 and now) – Ecnerwal May 03 '23 at 15:52
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3Your town may have a record of this. Or the local "Dig Safe" folks might. – keshlam May 03 '23 at 17:18
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It's almost certainly some sort of manhole. It may be an access to a septic tank or a rainwater-collecting cistern. – Hot Licks May 03 '23 at 18:16
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21If you open it, the mole people will emerge. – Steve Wellens May 04 '23 at 04:52
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1While highly unlikely in a residential setting, our church's kitchen has a cover like that for the grease pit. – SteveSh May 04 '23 at 12:04
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3Obviously this is where the Morlocks take the Eloi to their dinner parties. – candied_orange May 04 '23 at 15:17
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@SteveSh that makes for a totally valid answer rather than a comment. – Criggie May 04 '23 at 22:44
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I hope you come back and tell us what you found underneath it! – Aldus Bumblebore May 06 '23 at 13:22
2 Answers
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Most likely access to a septic system, or sewer sump.
Impossible to say for sure without gathering some hefty help and picking it off, or consulting old documents about your house. It covers something and was evidently meant to be findable and removable, but not easily removable (don't want kids falling in whatever it is.)
Or, the mid 1960's being what they were, perhaps there's an old fallout shelter under there ;^)
Standard Warning to not so much as stick your head in to whatever is under there without thorough venting, though you probably would not be so inclined for the most likely case.
If it's an actively used septic system, go ahead and have it pumped out, since that has obviously not been done in your memory.
Ecnerwal
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5Might have been made less easy access when it was considered more of a potential liability than an advantage. – Ecnerwal May 04 '23 at 00:52
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My guess is its a Concrete Septic/Cistern cover. Try lifting it up, there may be a tank underneath...
heyitsmyusername
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2If it's about three feet across, it probably weighs around 250 pounds. Lifting it could be a bit of a challenge. – Mark May 04 '23 at 02:37
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1@Mark The two lifting points are clearly intended for it to be hoisted mechanically. An enterprising backyard engineer could no doubt rig up something, but the original intention was probably to use a backhoe. – Graham May 04 '23 at 08:24
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112-4 burly septic service persons and a couple of hooks (or long bars) would do it. This sort of thing is specifically intended NOT to be easily moved by one person, with the intent of keeping curious children out. – Ecnerwal May 04 '23 at 12:03