What is a curb stop?

A curb stop is a valve located near the curb of a property that is used to shut off the water supply to a building or structure. It is typically installed in the ground at the property line and is accessible through a small cover or box in the sidewalk or roadway. Curb stops are an important component of a plumbing system as they allow for the isolation of water supply in case of emergencies, repairs, or maintenance. They are usually operated using a special curb stop key or wrench. Proper maintenance and periodic testing of curb stops are essential to ensure they remain in good working condition.