In water supply infrastructure, the need to manage the flow of water is ever-present. From addressing pipe bursts in residential buildings to bypassing entire sections of pipes in commercial properties, the ability to quickly and easily shut the water off and turn it back on can be key to efficient work and quality results.

Enter the curb stop valve. Humble in its design and appearance, this utility material more than makes it up in its functionality and sheer convenience. As such, it deserves its 5 minutes in the spotlights – and that’s exactly what we’re going to give it today. Let’s dive in and find out more about the purpose of this unsung hero of waterworks.

What is the main purpose of a curb stop valve?

Also known as simply “curb valves” or “stop valves”, curb stop valves are crucial components in water distribution systems, where they serve one primary purpose: to enable swift and easy management of water flow. However, this is quite a broad definition, so let’s narrow it down.

Emergency shut-off

Curb stop valves are most commonly used to quickly cut off water in case of emergency. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a damaged service line, a threat of electrical hazard, or any other type of situation that necessitates immediate interruption of water supply, a stop valve enables the operator to perform an emergency shut-off within seconds.

Service line isolation

In some instances, shutting down an entire service line is simply not an option. With curb valves – there’s no need for that. When placed strategically, they allow for entire sections of service lines to be isolated or bypassed, making it possible to perform the necessary maintenance with only minimal interruption of water flow.

Backflow prevention

Most water service lines are one-way streets and for a good reason: backflow can introduce a variety of harmful substances into the municipal water supply or potable water distribution systems, contaminating them and potentially causing health hazards. A little-known, but critical function of curb stop valves is to seal off portions of the line, which can help prevent backflow.

Pressure regulation

The design of stop valves allows them to assist with pressure regulation in certain systems – to an extent. However, bear in mind that this is not their intended application and they cannot be used as a standalone solution. They can come in clutch in certain situations, but it is better to replace the curb stop valve with a dedicated pressure-regulating variant as soon as possible.

Compliance with regulations

Whether it’s Maplewood Historic District or any other part of Rochester (or the US in general), there are local codes, regulations, and requirements that explicitly dictate the integration of curb stop valves in water service lines.

Granted, these rules can vary from one municipality to another (and quite drastically, for that matter), but they are an excellent showcase of the importance of curb valves in modern water-related infrastructure.

Where can I find a high-quality curb stop valve for sale near me?

At Blair Supply Corp. you can find not only top-tier curb stop valves – but a complete array of high-end water main and wastewater materials. From the smallest brass fitting to the largest corrugated pipe, every product we have is sourced from some of the industry’s top manufacturers, guaranteeing long-term durability, functionality, and reliability. 

Whether you need a simple replacement for your malfunctioning curb stop valve or a selection of materials to make your project the ultimate success, you can count on our 60-year-long tradition of excellence to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Contact us today!