HOW TO TURN OFF WATER AT THE METER
In case of an emergency, it is important to know the location of the water shut-off valve for your home. If you are unable to locate or operate the shut-off valve in your home, another alternative is to turn off your water meter to your home.
Tools Needed:
- Screw Driver
- Crescent Wrench
- Curb Stop Key (if available) also known as a T-handle or T-bar
Directions:
- Locate your water meter. Meters are typically close to the street and have a rectangle shaped metal or plastic lid.
- Remove the lid off the meter box. A standard screw driver can be used to help lift the lid.
- On the street side of the meter, locate the oblong knob (as pictured below). This is the main shut-off valve also referred to as the angle stop.
- The angle stop has two loops, one on each side. The middle of the angle stop is marked with an arrow, indicating the direction the water is flowing.
- To turn water off, place the curb stop key over the center of the angle stop. If you do not have access to a curb stop key, you can improvise using a crescent wrench and screw driver by doing the following:
- Place the jaws of a crescent wrench over the angle stop with the handle sticking up.
- Insert a screw driver through the hole in the handle of the crescent wrench to create a tee handle.
- Turn the curb stop key, or make-shift tee handle, clockwise until both loops are together, approximately 180 degrees. (as pictured below)
If the angle stop has not been operated in a long time, it could be locked up.
Whatever you do, DO NOT FORCE THE ANGLE STOP.
click here for information on How to Detect a Leak
If it will not turn with a reasonable amount of pressure, call HCWA at 770-957-6659.