Mains stop valve

[Paul Miller]

As I have mentioned previously, I am going to replace my old lead pipe (which I have excavated) with a length of MDPE.

However, I'm a bit confused at the moment (doesn't take much). I opened the little Water hatch on the pavement...



and I expected to find a stop valve in there. But it looks empty. I dug down a bit in the earth with a trowel but still didn't find anything. The direction of the pipe appears to correspond with the positioning of this hatch so I really expected to find a valve in there.

How do I go about turning off the water before I start to cut out the lead pipe ??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Paul

[dig dug dan]

most of the time, these little hatches slowly get filled up with earth, ants nests and all sorts.
I suspect the stop valve is buried in there, but it is likely to be a square topped one so a special tool will be needed.
have another dig down. The only alternative is to dig the entire hatch out until you find the shut off valve, clean it out, and reposition.

[Paul Miller]

Will have another dig in the morning. I must admit that I didn't get down to the level of the pipe, but I just expected the valve to be just under the hatch.

Thanks for the advice.

[Paul Miller]

Dug down a bit further today and eventually found a normal type tap. It was a bit stiff, but it freed with a bit effort and managed to turn off the supply and fit my new pipe. Jobs a good 'un

[dig dug dan]

that's good. Not as big a job now, just connect up the new!