Quick Answer:
If the curb stop seems to close but water still flows, stop turning and check a few things first: verify how far the valve will travel, feel for resistance changes as it seats, and watch the meter to see if water is still moving. These checks help decide whether the valve is broken, the wrong valve is being used, or another source is feeding the line.
Why This Happens
A curb stop that doesn’t fully shut can be caused by several common problems:
- Valve stem or stop head is broken internally and no longer reaches the seat.
- Debris or corrosion prevents the washer or seat from sealing.
- The curb stop you’re operating is not the actual shutoff for the house (separate service lines or secondary valves).
- The shutoff is buried, seized, or partially stripped so the handle turns without moving the internal parts.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Confirm you’re operating the right valve
Make sure the curb stop you’re turning controls the house supply. If the meter or nearby pipes show another branch, that branch could be feeding water around the curb stop.
2. Check valve travel depth
Turn the curb stop slowly while noting how many turns it takes and how far the stem moves. A healthy curb stop usually has a noticeable travel distance before it seats. If the stem barely moves but the wrench turns freely, the valve internals may be stripped or broken.
3. Feel resistance changes
As you carefully close the valve, pay attention to feel. You should feel increasing resistance as the valve reaches the seat. If resistance never increases, the sealing parts may be missing or worn out.
4. Inspect meter movement
With someone inside watching the water meter, slowly close the curb stop and watch the meter register. If the meter keeps turning when the curb stop is fully turned, water is still flowing past the curb stop. This test confirms whether the leak is upstream or downstream of the curb stop. If the meter spins without stopping, suspect a malfunctioning curb stop or a bypass.
5. Try alternate shutoffs
Shut the house main valve (if accessible) and see if the meter still moves. If water still flows even with the house valve closed, the problem could be a stuck meter valve or a feed from another service—investigate further or consult the utility.
For guidance on a meter that won’t stop, read about meter valve stuck open. If the city turned off water but you still have flow inside, see notes on house still has pressure.
6. Decide next steps
- If the valve travel is limited, resistance is wrong, or the meter confirms flow, plan for repair or replacement.
- If the valve operates normally and the meter stops, the curb stop likely worked; check for other sources of water or internal leaks.
What Not to Do
- Do not keep forcing buried curb stop — forcing can break the stem or the head and make the problem worse.
- Do not use a torch, pry bar, or impact tools on the valve stem; this can damage fittings or underground lines.
- Do not dig without identifying other utilities first.
When to Call a Professional
- When you confirm the curb stop doesn’t move or the stem turns without travel.
- If you see water still flowing after closing all accessible valves or the meter keeps running.
- If the curb stop is buried, corroded, or damaged and requires excavation or replacement.
- If you’re unsure which valve controls the line or there are multiple service lines involved.
Safety Notes
- Turn valves slowly and do not force them; sudden actions can break parts and cause flooding.
- Call utility locating services before any digging to avoid hitting gas, electric, or telecom lines.
- If you suspect contaminated water or a complex plumbing failure, stop using taps and call a plumber or the water utility.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why does the curb stop feel loose when I turn it? — The internal parts may be stripped or disconnected, so the stem turns without engaging the seat.
- If the meter still moves when I close the curb stop, who should I call? — Contact the water utility or a licensed plumber; the meter or curb stop may need repair or replacement.
- Can I replace a curb stop myself? — Replacing a curb stop often requires digging near the property line and working with the water service; it’s typically best handled by a pro or utility crew.