Quick Answer:
After the curb stop is turned, you may get reduced flow because dirt and air were dislodged or the valve wasn’t fully reopened. Start by confirming the curb stop is fully open, check other fixtures, then flush sediment through tub and remove clogged aerators. If flow stays low after these checks, call your water utility or a plumber.
Why This Happens
Turning the curb stop moves water and any settled material in the service line. That can push sand, rust, or grit into your home plumbing where it lodges in faucet screens, showerheads, and valves. Air pockets can also cause sputtering and reduced flow. In some cases the curb stop may not have been returned to a full open position or the meter and pressure regulator can behave differently after the valve is used — a common explanation for **Water pressure changed after curb stop use**. If you also see unexpected meter activity, it can indicate a leak or a stuck component; homeowners often investigate **Meter spins when no water is running** for that reason.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Confirm the curb stop is fully open
- Locate the curb stop at the property line or near the street. Use the wrench you normally use for this valve; it should turn easily.
- Open it fully by turning in the same direction you used to open it before. Do not force a stuck valve.
2. Check other fixtures
- Test the kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, shower, and outdoor hose bibs. If all fixtures are low, the problem is upstream; if only one fixture is low, the issue is local to that fixture.
3. Flush sediment through tub
- Run the bathtub spout on both hot and cold at full flow for several minutes to flush trapped sediment from the branch lines and drain it out of the house.
- Keep other drains open to avoid backpressure and stop if you notice large debris or continuing discoloration after several minutes; this helps avoid damaging the tub finish.
4. Remove clogged aerators
- Unscrew faucet aerators and strainers; clean them with water and a brush to remove sediment and mineral build-up.
- Reinstall aerators and retest flow. Many low-flow issues are resolved by cleaning these small parts.
5. Check the water meter and pressure
- With all indoor fixtures off, watch the meter for movement (small ticks can be leaks). If the meter indicates flow when nothing is open, contact your water utility.
- If you have a pressure gauge, check static pressure at an outdoor spigot. Significant pressure loss after the curb stop was used suggests an upstream issue or a partially closed valve.
6. Re-test and observe
- After cleaning and flushing, run several fixtures to confirm normal flow has returned. If flow improves slowly, allow time for air and sediment to clear the system.
What Not to Do
- Do not replace main valve prematurely — replacing a main or curb valve is invasive and often unnecessary if the problem is sediment or an aerator clog.
- Do not force a stuck curb stop; forcing can break the valve or the service pipe.
- Do not use excessive chemical cleaners to clear inside plumbing lines after sediment; these can damage fixtures and finishes.
When to Call a Professional
- Flow remains low after you flush lines and clean aerators.
- You see continuous meter movement with no water in use, visible leaks, water pooling, or sudden drops in pressure.
- The curb stop is stuck, damaged, or you suspect the service line itself is blocked or collapsed.
- You’re uncomfortable working on the curb stop or accessing the meter — let the utility or a licensed plumber handle it.
Safety Notes
- Shut off and drain any appliance lines before working on nearby plumbing to avoid water damage.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning aerators or handling debris.
- Do not dig near the curb stop or service line without calling local utility locates; underground lines can be hazardous.
Common Homeowner Questions
- How long should flushing take? — A few minutes per fixture is usually enough; stop if water stays heavily discolored after 10–15 minutes and call the utility.
- Will running all taps help? — Running several fixtures helps move debris out of the system, but focus on a tub or outdoor hose for a stronger flush.
- Can the curb stop be repaired without replacing it? — Often yes; a stuck or partially closed valve can sometimes be freed, but a plumber should handle repairs to avoid breaking the valve.
For more related articles, see the Curb Stop & Meter Valve Problems hub.