Hi all, I have a cap similar to the above photo, mueller water, it says. (Disregard the smaller cut pipe in the picture)
The utility office guy told me on the phone that this is probably the access point to shut-off water to the home.
I sat down and patiently chipped/dug a channel around my cap. It's at surface level of an asphalt drive just like in the photo. After doing so, I could at least determine that it probably was a cap, mushroom shaped, and the outside wall of the pipe it covers is just inside the 2 holes, in this one.
My question:
Do I pry up, use tools for leverage and try to "unscrew", or something else?
My only other experience with this sort of access was a clearly marked lift off cover, underneath which & 2 feet down, was a slotted "key" to shut off the main water supply with a 1/2 turn.
I'm proceeding carefully because I'm broke and can't afford a big problem.

Any informed help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

That cap unscrews CCW...

Why do you want access to your curb key shutoff?

 

I will try that, hmmm, maybe a couple steel rods in the 2 holes & see if I can get it turning. Thank you.
The main valve inside (gate) is shot, other valves down the line are in smiliar shape. This would be the last ditch effort to shut the water supply to the home, & then hopefully I can manage replacing the main stop valve inside, so that the, the 3 pairs of branch shut-offs down the line can also be replaced. All assuming that once the water is off, I can get the old valves, out.

Thanks for the reply, Mike. I'm hanging by a thread financially, & if at all possible I need to handle these things w/out hiring it out.

 

Of course, now that its rattled around upstairs for awhile, I'm realizing that the "inside" valves, some of which appear at least, original, if they are non-operational/leaking as they are, then I may meet same or even worse on this outside shut off valve... and thats if i can even get the cap off.

The home is around 60 years old.
the access point, at least the cap, I would think would look rusted but it does not, i don't know for sure what its made of, but there is no rust. so if I actually get the cap to turn/come off, & I put a key to the valve, I'll be like crossing my fingers big time.

 

Did you ask if the water company would send someone out to turn it off for you? Some companies are happy to send someone out to reduce problems caused by old rusted valves and homeowners breaking them. Some companies will charge a visit fee - but some will do it for free. Maybe tell the customer service person that it's probably rusted and you want to be sure you don't want it to break, etc.

 

yeah in New brunswick they are a bit funny up there about touching the curb key...

Call the water department and tell them what your plan is..

You may be best to leave the gate valves and just add a new style ball valve on your main somewhere.

Also the water company is often responsible for the valve before the meter. They may change at no cost..

Let us know..

( Also some towns will fine you for touching the curb stop.. )