How to Shut Off Your Water in a Water Emergency
Vložit
- čas přidán 4. 10. 2022
- In this video, Austin Water explains how to shut off your water at your homeowner's shut off valve. If you are unable to get to your shut off valve, we demonstrate how to open the City of Austin Water Meter box cover and shut the water off at the meter.
For more information, please visit austinwater.org or call Austin Water Dispatch at 512-972-1000.
It should be noted that the cover on your box will probably not come off as easily as this video. Ours was stuck on and took considerable force to open, it's made of plastic and probably expands in the heat. Also note that at least in NW Austin, there is no latch under the lid, it simply pulls off. Since ours was stuck on, I initially thought the latch was the issue. But after looking at a neighbors, I noticed they had no latch pin in theirs, so with a little leverage ours popped off.
Also, go to Home Depot and get the tool, don't use a Crescent Wrench or Vice Grips to close the valve. If you break the city's valve you will have a very bad and expensive day. In an emergency you will be able to shut your water off a lot faster as well.
We love Scott!!!
Great video, thank you!
a crescent wrench or pliers will turn the city water valve on/off. the device in the video allows you to stand up while doing so.
Thanks!
I use 2 big open wrenches connected together if you dont hv that special tool
Do you know where mine might be? I've easily done this at my last two houses but I can't find any kind of knob at this house. I only see the meter sticking out of the ground. However, one day my pipe busted and they had to shut it off but when I saw the worker doing so, it looked like he was using a water key like you and me but I still don't see anything down there for him to turn and I also don't see anything that looks disturbed or dug up
Hello, there should be a knob right next to your meter similar to the video at 1:25. If you need further assistance, please call our 24/7 Emergency Dispatch line at 512-972-1000. Thank you.
Hi Scott, where can I buy that exact water meter box key? My old key no longer works on the new box lids.
Hello there! The key you need to purchase is a 1/2 inch x 30 inch water meter key with box lid key. You can find them at most big box hardware stores or online by searching for them.
We always recommend turning your water off at your property owner's valve before getting in the city's water meter box. If you have a water emergency, you can always call our 24/7 dispatch at 512-972-1000.
@@Austin_Water what if my property owners valve has no turn key? Who can I call about installing one?
Most believe Austin will charge you thousands of dollars if you break the city shut off valve shown in this video. If this is true, shouldn't you mention that since this is the "Austin Water" channel? This video basically encourages you to utilize the city shut off if you can't find or use the homeowner valve next to it. Good lawyer would have field day with this video if the city tried to charge for busting the city valve. "But the city video said it was okay..."