What is the water valve on my driveway?

Author: Vivien Kuhn MD  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Curb stop service valves control the water running to a home or building from the City's water main. Curb stops are usually located outside in the front yard of a property (for example: on the front lawn, driveway, or private sidewalk) on the border of public and private property and are owned by the City.

What is the water valve in my front yard?

On the front yard-side of the house, you will find the main shut-off valve under the water hose connection. This valve will shut down the whole-house water supply. Sometimes the main shut-off valve is in the same area above, just buried in the ground.

What does the outside water shut-off valve look like?

The gate shutoff valve is round and shaped like a wheel. To close, turn the shut-off valve clockwise until it's firmly closed. The ball valve has a lever handle, and to close it, you turn the handle one-quarter clockwise until it's tightly closed.

What is the metal circle in my driveway?

What is the round metal plate in my front lawn, driveway, or sidewalk? This is your water shut-off valve (also called a curb box or curb stop valve). A curb box is a round metal plate approximately 10 centimetres in diameter that is located in the front lawn, driveway or sidewalk of a property and is owned by the City.

Why wont my outside tap turn off?

The most common reasons why a tap won't turn off are: The tap handle is stripped. The tap needs a new washer. The valve is broken.

Water Shutoff Valve Repair

Where is the water shut-off valve?

How to find your inside stop valve. Your inside stop valve is inside your house and is normally located just after the water pipe enters the house. This is often under the kitchen sink, but can also be: In an airing cupboard.

Why is there a pipe in my driveway?

Driveway culverts connect open ditches on either side of a driveway. This allows water to flow under, rather than over, the driveway. The purpose is to maintain the free flow of water and not impede or reduce the water carrying capacity of the culvert or channel.

How do I divert water runoff from my driveway?

How to Divert Water Runoff from Driveway. Dig a trench. Use a shallow, gravel-filled trench to catch and slow runoff, especially at the base of a slope or alongside a driveway or patio. For slopes, consider creating a dry creek to catch, slow down and direct runoff, perhaps to a rain garden (see below).

What does a driveway culvert do?

Regardless of traffic the main function is to have water flow underneath the vehicle access area through a pipe and down past the driveway. When culvert pipes are installed properly, water will flow through the pipe and continue past the driveway so that access will no longer be affected.

What are the different types of water shut off valves?

What are different types of water shut-off valves
  • Ball Valves. A large ball valve made of metal can be the perfect choice for the main water lines. ...
  • Gate valves. ...
  • Butterfly valves. ...
  • Globe valves. ...
  • Iron Pipe Stop Valve. ...
  • Sweat stop valves. ...
  • Compression stop valves. ...
  • Stop-and-waste valve.

What color is the outside water shut-off valve?

For homes built on a slab, check in the garage or near your water heater. The incoming water line usually comes through the foundation near the front side of your house. Follow this line up to the water meter. Just past the meter should be the main water shut-off valve, a red or green handle or knob.

What is the main water shut-off valve called?

Gate Valve:

Gate valves are one of the most common valves used as a main shut off valve. They are reliable and long-lasting. Gate valves have a twist-type handle and should only be used to fully open water supply or completely shut off water supply.

Where is the outdoor tap valve?

The shut off valve or isolating valve for an outside tap is usually right next to the where to water supply pipe is going through the wall to outside. All outside taps shut have it's shut off valve but not all outside do.

Why do I have 2 water shut off valves?

Every home has two main water shutoff valves: one inside the house and the other by where your property meets the street. The simplest way to shut off all water running through your house is to know where the main valve is located inside your house.

Do I need a drain on my driveway?

A drainage system is important in any driveway, whether it's natural like a lawn or hard like an Aco drain. Rain is a big issue for driveways, so it's vital that water drains away. If water is unable to drain away properly, it can cause damage to the driveway, tarmac or block paving.

What is a driveway swale?

A swale is a shallow depression that is wider than it is deep. Creating a swale along one or both sides of your driveway will provide a place for storm-water to collect and re-enter the groundwater. They will also keep any water draining off the hillside from flowing down your driveway and flooding your garage or home.

What is the best drain for a driveway?

The most popular channel drains are the Swiftdrain Sierra Series, NDS Pro Series, Josam and ACO 100. These channel drains have polymer and hdpe channels with a variety of grate options to choose from. The 600 series is a best in class pre sloped driveway channel drain.

What is that pipe sticking out of the ground?

These pipes coming out of the ground are called Backflow Assemblies (not devices!) In simple terms they keep water from city water mains flowing in one direction. These assemblies are critical in keeping the public safe by not allowing contaminated water to enter the drinking water system.

What is a driveway culvert pipe?

Culverts are fully enclosed drainage tunnel structures. They typically channel water, such as an existing stream or storm runoff, under areas including driveways, roads, or earth.

What is driveway drain pipe called?

PVC Drainage Pipes

Here are different types of PVC pipes you can use in a driveway culvert. PVC pipes are also called smooth-walled pipes as they allow easy water flow and are available in various diameters and lengths. PVC-U Pipes.

Why is water still running after main shut off?

There may be a hidden plumbing leak in the walls of your home, or maybe your toilet is running when it's not in use. These “hidden” leaks can cause your home to be using water even when your main water valve is turned off.

How do I know if my main water valve is on?

If the ball valve is parallel, it is ON; if it is perpendicular (90° angle), it is OFF. The water meter should also be able to tell you if you have a plumbing leak somewhere in your home.

Should I turn my outside tap off?

Then open the outside tap to drain off any excess water left in the pipework. Once outside tap is drained, turn off the tap and leave the isolation valve off until the warmer weather returns!

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