[jswirs]

I've been using a large channel lock pilers, or, what we used to call, a water pump pilers. It's been working for me, no problems.

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by upnorth

i just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" pvc pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.

in the utility business we called that a " persuader" although we used pipes up to 4 feet at times

[me4vt]

The best thing to do if you’re leaving for a month or more is cut it off at the street. Let me rephrase that for some of you, turn it off at the street. I have a cut off at the house but, I always cut it off at the meter when I’m away.


Change out PVC valve with an Apollo ball valve.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com

[Tvflguy]

I installed a water softener in the garage next to the main water shut off. I have a shutoff valve going into the WS and after. Both are simple to get to and turn.

[Captainpd]

Every time you leave your house for an extended period of time, the water should be turned off. It's hard to believe that that valve hasn't been turned off for years.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by me4vt

The best thing to do if you’re leaving for a month or more is cut it off at the street. Let me rephrase that for some of you, turn it off at the street. I have a cut off at the house but, I always cut it off at the meter when I’m away.


Change out PVC valve with an Apollo ball valve.

Is a customer allowed to mess with the shut off at the meter. I don’t know but would guess no.

[OhioBuckeye]

I’m guessing things are made that way from the manufacturer so you have to hire a service person to do it. I just think anything that has a valve on on it should be easy to turn off & not have fear of breaking!

[mulligan]

There is a shutoff at both sides of the meter. The one on the house side is yours. Feel free to use it.

[Joe C.]

On/off valves sieze up when not used over a period of time, so the best thing to do is open and close them a few times a year ...... say maybe every other month or so.
It's like letting your car sit in the garage for a year without driving it.
It's like exercising your body.
If you don't use it, you'll lose it.

[MrFlorida]

Originally Posted by UpNorth

I just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" PVC pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.

Yes, I saw this on Utube, works great and costs almost nothing.

[Jensor17]

Thanks for the suggestion to call plumber. I’d like to know: Why did our builders give us cheap, breakable shutoffs ?

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by me4vt

The best thing to do if you’re leaving for a month or more is cut it off at the street. Let me rephrase that for some of you, turn it off at the street. I have a cut off at the house but, I always cut it off at the meter when I’m away.


Change out PVC valve with an Apollo ball valve.

Be careful with that. If you do not have separate drinking water and irrigation water then cutting it off at the street means no watering while you are gone.

[rrtjp]

We also had Nova install a whole house water filter and they moved the on/off lever higher up and it’s very easy to use. We just wanted better water quality so the new on/off lever was a nice bonus. We will be replacing all the plastic cheap waterlines in the house with steel braided lines as well. Build quality and attention to detail here is not the builders strong suit. The common phrase we kept hearing when we were looking to buy here was “we are not selling homes here, we are selling a life style”. We do love the life style here and our new home that we are improving on.

[Lindaws]

We hired a plumber and he raised the valve and put in an easier shut off.
No more bending or prying to shut off. It is almost waist high.

[Catalina36]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com

BE AWARE! You are placing a larger handle over the old handle adding leverage to turn the handle. The valve stem is also plastic. Be careful you don’t break off the the valve stem. Then you will have to replace the valve.