Operator terms · Water
What is a curb stop?
A curb stop is a small shutoff valve on a customer's service line, usually near the property line under a curb box. It lets an operator turn water on or off to one service without affecting the neighbors, which is useful for repairs and non-payment shutoffs.
Last reviewed 2026-08-03
What it is for
Each service line has a curb stop so a single customer can be shut off on its own. That way an operator can work on one service, or shut it off, without closing a valve that would affect other homes on the main.
How it is reached
The curb stop sits below ground and is reached through a curb box or stop box at the surface. An operator uses a long key to turn it, so the valve stays protected underground.
Common questions
- What does a curb stop shut off?
- Water to one customer's service line.
- Where is it located?
- Near the property line, usually under a curb box.
- Does it affect neighbors?
- No; it isolates a single service only.