Actually, I'm not even sure it's the meter. It's a bit confusing. I've got a pretty large plate (at least a foot in diameter) in my front yard, by the curb. The plate doesn't seem like it comes up very easily (I haven't tried too hard because I figure that, if it's supposed to come up, it would fairly easily).
On the plate, there is a semi-flat plastic cap with a star pattern, and a bump in the center. It was turnable, so I made a sort of key for it out of a piece of laminate flooring (I cut a notch out of the center so that it fit over the bump). I turned this all the way to the right, and I still have water.
Also on the plate, there is something like the end of a bolt. The head is square and about 1.5" in diameter. It seems loose--I can wiggle it pretty well, so I don't think it's a valve, but I can't seem to turn it.
Is anybody familiar with this sort of system? Do I need to try harder at lifting this plate? Or maybe try turning the bolt?
2007-12-11 11:45:47 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Well, I don't have gas, so it's not gas related. The main shutoff in the house doesn't work (it leaks), so I need to replace it, which is the reason I need the water shutoff at the curb.
The last time I called the water company to turn on the water, they never even showed up. Luckily my home inspector was able to get the water on, but I wasn't there to see what he did.
The home inspector mentioned that it'd be a good idea to have a curb key to be able to shut the water off, since the water company is unresponsive, but the key I bought seems to get me nowhere.
2007-12-11 12:04:17 · update #1
You shouldn't be messing with that, it's probably owned by the water company. I hope none of this is a gas line.
Almost every house has a water main shut off valve inside the house, usually in the basement. Why not shut that off? If you're positive you don't have a main water shut off in the house, I would call the water company to help you out.
2007-12-11 12:00:59 · answer #1 · answered by 80's kid 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The plate is called curb box, but please call your local city water department. Depending on where you live, water at the curb can only be shutt off by the city inspectors, they have the key to that valve. If they cant do atleast they will help you.
Mean time, you can also turn water off at the valve inside your house, if you have a basement it will be located where the water line enters your house.
http://sonaconstruction.com
2007-12-11 20:01:31 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your not turning it far enough. And, some cities like Las Vegas, some of the water meter shut-offs simply don't work. You have to call the city and wait for them to replace the shut-offs. Been there, done that.
2007-12-12 07:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should not do it but here's what they use it is a t-bar with either half three quarter or one inch square head, a good breaker bar works also, generally its 1 quarter turn
2007-12-12 06:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by paul 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋