Water main to house leak

I have a leak where my main water line coming in from the well is joined to the line going up to the house. However, the area where they are joined is wrapped up in the most cockamamie way I've ever seen. There is a picture here. It looks like foam wrapped up in a soda can and/or bottle. We do have an outside well house, and I did replace the pressure tank last year, so I saw that the line into the house on the tank side was normal. I'm a bit afraid of what i will find inside this mess, which is where the leak is coming from. Any thoughts? Do you think there is much chance that i will find something in there that I cant deal with? Thanks for any help.

 

Just looks like someone did poor job of trying to insulate the pipe.
While your in there fixing the leak take the time to replace at least that gate valve that shuts off the main line with a brass ball valve.

 

I’m no expert for sure but it looks like an insulation attempt as Joe says. When you say “up to the house” do you mean the pic is of a basement? Don’t know why you would need insulation there.

I would certainly remove that stuff to see what is leaking. I don’t think you can make plans without removing that stuff. If the valve is leaking maybe tightening the packing nut would help.

 

Agreed, the insulation and soda can isn't helping your leak, so removing it isn't going to make anything worse. Take it all apart and see what has to be fixed/replaced.

Is that black steel pipe going up the wall? If so, I'm pretty sure that'll be part of your problem.