[vanilla-thunder]

Hello I was trying to shut off the main water line to my house today and when I twisted the valve shut the water wouldn't stop.
I had the water off just the other day to switch the kitchen sink tap. It was hard to turn and crunchy sounding when it closed, but it did stop the water. Today I twisted it shut but the water still flows.
I wanted to put a 3/4 shark bite ball valve in but wanted to make sure that was allowed on the main line. And do I have to call the water company to stop the water to my house. Thanks

 

[Gymschu]

I've had that happen to me. Those type of valves are notoriously unreliable. A ball valve is the way to go. And, yes, you will have to contact the city water dept to come shut the water off.

 

[gregzoll]

Most likely some grit and debris has gotten into the valve when your city flushes the lines or fire hydrants.

You need to either call a plumber who has a curb key, so that you can replace the valve, or call the water utility and have them shut off the water to your area, if there is no curb key for your house outside at the street. Then you can replace the valve.

 

[diyorpay]

The expensive (and risky?) solution is for a licensed plumber to hook up a freon freezing unit at correct point in pipe before faulty valve. While pipe is frozen, old valve is cut off and new ball valve sweat in. Likely old washer dried out and broke apart and no longer seals.

 

[AdamBNYC]

Bah, Home Depot sells curb keys. I had the same problem and just turned off the water at the street myself. IMO everyone should own a curb key just in case. I had a moron contractor hit my water main before the meter with a shovel. If I didn't have a curb key that 2 minutes of water would have been a half hour and been serious damage and probably cost additional money for the emergency visit. By the way, that 3 minutes of water coming from the main was a serious amount!

 

[AdamBNYC]

Also as an FYI, if your gonna dive into the project, I'd put shut offs on both sides of the meter. I used two full port half turns myself.