Did you know that as a property owner, you are responsible for maintaining your water meter pit and curb stop valve?
Most water service lines have a curb stop box (pictured below) located on the street side of the meter pit (pictured above) or near the front property line. The curb stop cover is typically a 3- to 4-inch diameter lid with a vertical pipe extending down to a shutoff valve located approximately 4½ to 6 feet below ground.
The curb stop valve is an important component of your water service. It allows both the property owner and district personnel to shut off water in the event of a leak in the service line or plumbing system. To ensure the valve can be operated when needed, the curb stop box must remain level with the surrounding ground and accessible at all times.
Property owners should maintain a clear area of at least two to five feet around the curb stop box. Shrubs, walls, landscaping features, or other obstructions can prevent district operators from accessing and operating the valve. Maintenance and accessibility of the curb stop box and valve are the responsibility of the property owner.
Over time, curb stop valves can wear out, become difficult to operate, or suffer damage such as a broken operating nut. District operators have encountered situations where customer water service could not be shut off because the curb stop valve was inoperable. To avoid delays during an emergency, property owners should ensure the curb stop box remains clean, visible, and accessible. If the district is unable to operate the valve, repairs or replacement by a licensed plumber will be required at the homeowner’s expense.
When completing landscaping projects, be sure that meter pits and curb stop lids remain exposed, level with the surrounding ground, and located outside of fences, walls, or other structures. Avoid placing rocks, flower pots, mulch, or other objects over meter pits or curb stop boxes.
Taking a few simple steps to maintain these components can help protect your property and ensure water service can be quickly shut off when needed.
For additional information about meter pit and service line responsibilities, visit Denver Water’s website.
