Quick Answer:
If the valve does not respond to the handle and water keeps flowing, stop using water in the house, check whether the handle actually engages the valve stem, and avoid forcing anything. If the stem appears seized or the meter assembly is city-owned, contact your water utility right away — do not try to take the meter apart.
Why This Happens
- Corrosion or mineral buildup can seize the valve stem so the handle turns without moving internal parts.
- The handle can strip or break where it attaches, so the visible handle moves but the stem does not.
- Debris, frozen parts, or long-term wear inside the meter body or curb stop can prevent closure.
- Some meters and curb stops are owned by the utility; work on them is restricted and should be handled by the utility or a licensed plumber.
Step-by-Step What to Do
Step 1 — Stop water use and limit damage
- Turn off appliances and do not run taps. Shut off fixtures that can be isolated (e.g., washing machine, irrigation) to limit flow.
- Contain obvious leaks with towels, buckets, or a mop to protect floors and landscaping until the flow is controlled.
Step 2 — Locate and inspect the valve stem and handle
- Open the meter box or access lid and clear debris so you can see the valve. Wear gloves and watch for insects or rodents.
- Look at how the handle connects to the stem. If the handle rotates but the stem does not move, the connection may be stripped or loose — this is the “does not respond to handle” sign to check.
- If you can safely see a square or slotted stem, note whether a tool can engage it. Do not apply heavy force yet.
Step 3 — Try gentle engagement
- If the stem engagement looks intact, use a proper tool (short-handled wrench) and apply short, gentle turns—no hard, sustained force. Small taps with a wrench can sometimes free minor corrosion.
- If the handle itself is damaged and the stem is functional, you may be able to attach a temporary driver. If the handle is visibly broken, refer to guidance about meter valve handle broken.
Step 4 — If the stem is seized or won’t budge, notify the water utility
- When the stem does not move or you suspect the meter or curb stop is seized, contact your municipal water department or utility. They may need to send crews because the meter or curb stop may be utility-owned.
- Do this even if you can’t immediately stop the flow. The utility can advise on next steps and dispatch technicians who have the right tools and authority.
- If the curb stop is the only remaining option and it won’t close, see advice about Curb stop won’t fully shut off water when contacting the utility or a plumber.
Step 5 — Call a plumber if water still can’t be isolated
- If you have an interior main shutoff that works, use it and then call a licensed plumber to assess the meter and curb stop situation.
- If you have no workable shutoff and the utility cannot respond quickly, an emergency plumber can provide temporary measures to protect the home.
What Not to Do
- Do not attempt full disassembly of the meter or curb stop — this is often utility property and can cause damage, fines, or contamination risks.
- Do not use excessive force, cheater bars, or impact tools on the valve — that can break the valve, cause a sudden surge, or create a larger leak.
- Do not cut or pry open the meter body, run electrical heat sources, or introduce foreign chemicals into the box.
- Do not disconnect the meter from its piping yourself if you do not have the right permits and training.
When to Call a Professional
- Immediate call to your water utility: if the meter or curb stop appears seized, the assembly is utility-owned, or you cannot stop the flow safely.
- Call a licensed plumber: if you have a functional interior shutoff but need help diagnosing or repairing the valve, or if the utility instructs you to have a plumber assist.
- Emergency plumber: if water is flooding the property and you have no way to isolate the supply, get an emergency service on site to limit damage.
Safety Notes
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working in meter boxes; watch for sharp edges, insects, and standing water.
- Work from stable footing and avoid leaning into deep meter pits. Use a flashlight rather than a phone if you need both hands free.
- If you smell gas or see electrical hazards near the meter, leave the area and call emergency services; do not attempt repairs.
- When in doubt about ownership or risk, stop and call the utility or a licensed pro — attempting the wrong repair can increase damage and liability.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Can I force the valve closed? No. Forcing it can break the stem or meter and make the problem worse; contact the utility or a plumber.
- Who is responsible for fixing it? Often the utility owns the meter and curb stop; the homeowner is generally responsible for internal plumbing. Confirm with your water department.
- Will I be billed for the repair? It depends on the utility’s policies and whether homeowner actions caused the issue; ask the utility when you report the problem.
For more related articles, see the Curb Stop & Meter Valve Problems hub.