Probably depends on where you live. What does the cover look like?
and how wide? if there is a meter inside then they take it off
freguently to read the meter. Often the bolt (actually a screw) that
holds the lid on is five sided but a crescent type wrench will open it
anyway. Maybe you are turning it the wrong direction. Try tapping
all around with a ball peen hammer.

Jim B wrote:

On Wed, 01 Sep 2004 13:33:26 -0400, Speedy Jim wrote:

I did try to open the cast iron cover on my front yard to peep inside before I
buy the stuff I need, but it wouldn't budge. Look like it had a knob to turn or
something??

Do I really need to call the utility company just to turn off the water main?

Thanks again.

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