USA Expert Plumbing

Curb stop valve: how to shut off water at the street

By USA Expert Plumbing Editorial Team. Updated . 2 min read.

Short answer

The curb stop is a valve on the water service line near the street or property line, usually under a small round cover. It is turned with a long curb key. Many utilities prefer or require that they operate it, so call them first. Use it when the house shutoff will not close or a leak is between the meter and the house.

In this guide
  1. Where to find it
  2. Can you use it?
  3. How it is turned
  4. When you need it
  5. Be ready before an emergency
  6. Curb stop vs meter valve vs main shutoff
  7. Buying a curb key
  8. If the curb stop is buried or damaged

Most homes have two ways to shut off water: the main valve where the line enters the house, and the curb stop outside. The curb stop is the backup when the indoor valve fails or the leak is outside.

Where to find it

  • Usually near the street, sidewalk or property line, in line with where the water service enters the house
  • Under a small round metal or plastic cover at ground level, sometimes marked "water"
  • In some areas, it is inside the meter box

Can you use it?

Rules vary. Many water utilities consider the curb stop their equipment and ask homeowners to call them to operate it. Using it when you are not allowed, or damaging it, can lead to charges. Check with your utility before an emergency.

How it is turned

  1. Remove the cover and clear dirt or debris from the pipe opening.
  2. Insert a curb key, a long T-shaped tool, onto the valve at the bottom.
  3. Turn a quarter turn. Many are closed when the key's slot is perpendicular to the pipe.
  4. Do not force it. An old curb stop can break, and fixing it may require digging.

When you need it

  • The indoor main shutoff will not close
  • A leak is in the service line between the curb and the house
  • Replacing the main shutoff valve itself

Be ready before an emergency

  • Find both your indoor main shutoff and the curb stop now.
  • Exercise the indoor valve once a year so it turns when needed.
  • Save your water utility's emergency number in your phone.

For line problems between the curb and the house, see our water line replacement cost guide.

Curb stop vs meter valve vs main shutoff

ValveWhereWho usually uses it
Curb stopNear the street or property line, undergroundThe utility, sometimes the homeowner
Meter valveAt the meter, often in a boxVaries by utility
Main shutoffWhere the line enters the houseThe homeowner

Buying a curb key

Curb keys come in different lengths and head shapes. If your utility allows homeowners to use the curb stop, ask them which key fits, and store it where you can find it in an emergency.

If the curb stop is buried or damaged

Covers get buried under landscaping or paved over. Some utilities will locate and uncover it for you. A broken curb stop is usually the utility's repair, but responsibility varies, so ask before hiring anyone.

Common questions

Am I allowed to turn off my own curb stop?

It depends on the utility. Many prefer to do it themselves. Call them to find out.

What if the curb stop will not turn?

Do not force it. Call the water utility; a broken curb stop can require excavation to repair.

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