The valve at the street, called the curb stop, belongs to the water system and is operated by the Chicopee Water Department, not by homeowners. If your house valve fails and water is pouring, call the city Water Department to shut it at the curb, then call (413) 603-1274 so the pipe and the valve can be fixed and the house dried.
Two shut-offs, two owners
- The curb stop, in a small box near the sidewalk or the front lawn, is the city's. It needs a special long key, and the Water Department operates it.
- The house main, inside your basement where the line comes through the wall, is yours. You should be able to close it in an emergency.
The city maintains its pipes in the street. The piping and valves inside the house are the owner's responsibility. Exactly where the line between the two falls, and who pays for the service line in between, is set by the Water Department's rules, so ask them if it matters for your repair.
When to call the Water Department
- Your main valve will not close and water is pouring
- The leak is before your main valve, on the street side
- Your whole house has no water and neighbors do too
- Water is bubbling up in your yard or the street
In February 2015, after weeks near zero, the Chicopee Water Department took more than 100 calls about frozen pipes in two weeks and restored service house by house. In a long freeze, call early.
When to call us
- A pipe inside the house burst
- Your main valve is stuck, leaking or broken. See main valve won't shut off
- Pipes inside the house are frozen. See frozen pipe thawing
- There is water damage to dry
What the curb stop looks like
The curb stop is a valve on the service line between the street main and your house, usually under a small round metal cover in the lawn, sidewalk or near the curb. It is opened and closed from above with a long key. It is not meant for homeowners to operate, and turning it without the right tool can break it or damage the line. If you cannot find yours, the Water Department can locate it.
Who pays for which part
In general, the water main in the street is the city's. The service line from the curb stop into your house, and everything inside the foundation, are usually the property owner's responsibility, including the meter connections and the main valve. The exact split can depend on local rules, so ask the Water Department if a leak is between the street and your foundation.
When the water comes back on
After the water has been off, open a cold tap at the lowest point of the house slowly to let air out. Expect sputtering and some cloudy water at first. Check the repair, the main valve and the meter for drips once the system is back under pressure.
Street shut-off questions
Can I shut the curb stop myself?
It is city equipment. Call the Water Department. Forcing it can damage the valve and the service line.
Does the city charge to shut off the water?
Ask the Chicopee Water Department about their current policy and fees.
Can you replace my main valve so this does not happen again?
Yes. See main water shut-off valve replacement.
Water shut off and need the repair? Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.