What are these metal discs embedded in concrete in my garage?

fadetoblack

Hi all, We just a bought a house and are looking at converting the garage into a studio, which would involve laying down some floating laminate flooring. However, I noticed two metal discs embedded into the concrete and would like to know what they are for and if it's ok to cover them up with floorboards?

Thanks, 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @fadetoblack. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about identifying metal discs.

It’s quite possible that these metal discs are inspection ports, though they are not often made of brass. Inspection ports are often embedded in concrete floors to provide access to plumbing, drainage, or other utilities underneath. They allow maintenance or inspection without the need to break up the surrounding concrete. The only identical cover I can find through searching your images is that of a grease trap inspection port. However, the need for that in a residential building makes it not seem like a viable answer. You might need a handyperson to open them, likely with a custom-made tool and by turning anti-clockwise, to see what's inside.

If they are inspection ports, it’s important to consider accessibility before covering them with your floating laminate flooring. If these ports give access to drainage or utility systems, it might be wise to either leave a removable section of flooring above them or mark their location for future reference. This way, if any plumbing or drainage work is needed down the line, you won’t have to lift the entire floor to reach them.

The only other thought I have is that since it's in a garage and one is at least right at the door, it might contain a steel pole that extends up and blocks cars in as a security device.

Let me tag @Noyade, @TedBear, @Nailbag, and @Dave-1 to see if they'd like to help solve the mystery. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell