Jim B wrote:

The shut off valve coming into the house is leaking in the basement and like to
replace it with a ball valve. I believe it will be simpler to install and
quicker to shut off in the event of an emergency.

Anyone replace it from the normal screw type to a ball valve?

Secondary question, how do you remove the outside cast iron cover and what tools
require to shut off the main?

Thank you in advance.

Call the utility and ask them to close the curb stop for you;
there is great risk in doing it yourself as things tend to break.

Inside, you will need to break the piping apart, easy if the
meter union is right there. You may need the utility to reseal
the meter. Again, ask them.

Jim