Water Shutoff Services: What You Need to Know

The Kirkwood Water Department provides water shutoff services for emergency repairs, winterization, and utility account discontinuation. For routine plumbing repairs, customers are responsible for locating and operating shutoff valves. Here’s what you need to know:

Routine Plumbing Repairs

The Kirkwood Water Department does not perform water shutoffs for routine, non-emergency plumbing repairs. To shut off water to your building, check the following:

1. Inside Shutoff Valve

   • Typically located where the water service line enters the building.
   • The easiest and fastest way to shut off water to the entire building.
     
     

2. Stop Box Valve

   • Found outside, usually between the street curb and sidewalk.
   • Requires a long-handled tool for operation (available from most plumbing contractors).
   • Stop box valves are part of the customer’s private service line and may need to be uncovered if buried under dirt or debris. For assistance, refer to our Stop Box Location Services Policy.
     
     

3. Outside Meter Pit Valve

   • Located in a ground-level meter pit (round or square lid, at least 12” in diameter).
   • Can be turned off with a crescent wrench using slow, steady pressure.
   • This option is not available to customers with inside water meters.

If neither the inside shutoff valve nor the meter pit valve is functional, you must operate the stop box valve to turn off water to the building.

Emergency Plumbing Repairs

For emergencies such as broken pipes, frozen lines, or severe leaks causing property damage, the Kirkwood Water Department offers shutoff services for a fee:

• During Business Hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)

  • Fee: $25
  • Contact: (314) 984-5936

• After Hours (After 5:00 p.m., weekends, and holidays)

  • Fee: Minimum $101; additional charges may apply.
  • Contact: Police Dispatch at (314) 822-5865

Important Note: After repairs are complete, your plumber must reconnect water service.

Winterization

If you need to shut off water to a building for the winter due to temporary vacancy or relocation, the Kirkwood Water Department provides this service for a $25 fee.

• To reconnect water service, contact us for an additional $25 fee.
• Fees will be added to your utility bill.

Utility Account Discontinuation

To shut off water service due to the termination of a utility account, contact Utility Billing at (314) 822-5843.