The pipe access device is comprised of a curved plate adapted to engage an underground pipe along an arc of the outer surface of the pipe, and a boss extending upwardly from the curved plate about an aperture in the curved plate. The curved plate extends along an arc of the outer surface of the curved plate that corresponds to a central angle of the pipe less than or equal to 180°. The curved plate includes a concave surface with a radius of curvature less than a radius of curvature of the outer surface of the pipe so as to bias the curved plate against the outer surface of the pipe when the curved plate is flexed to engage the pipe. The pipe access device is for use in providing access to the buried pipe that requires minimal excavation and disruption of the soil.