In the 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 operate the water main valve at the street
to turn off water to your home.
Tools Needed:
Screw Driver
Crescent Wrench
Curb Stop Key (if available)
1. Locate your water meter. Water meters are typically installed
inside concrete meter boxes and placed close to the street so it can
be easily read by a utility staff member.
2. Remove the metal lid of the meter box. A standard screw driver
can be used to help lift the lid.
3. On the street side of the meter, locate the oblong knob
(as pictured here). This is the main shut-off valve also referred
to as the angle stop.
4. 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.
5. 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 crecent wrench over the angle stop with the
handle sticking up.
Insert a screw driver through the hole in the handle of the
crecent wrench to create a tee handle. (As pictured)
6. Turn the curb stop key, or make-shift tee handle,
clockwise until both loops are together, approximately 180 degrees.
7. 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. If it will not turn with a reasonable amount of pressure, call the City of Tigard Public Works Department at 503-718-2591 for a utility staff member to turn off the water at the meter for you. If your emergency occurs after hours, contact the utility on-call service at 503-639-1554.
8. NOTE: Damage inflicted upon the water meter by anyone other than a utility staff member, is the financial responsibility of the homeowner and not the City of Tigard.
