Question
I bought some property last year with an automatic watering system for the lawn.  When I tried to winterize it in the fall, the main valve (underground, 2-3 foot deep hole) was stuck and wouldn't turn off, so I had to pay some plumbing contractor to come turn it off which they struggled to accomplish.  Now its spring and I want to turn it back on, but its still stuck and I don't want to pay someone to do it.  Any ideas, such as pouring cooking oil or some other lubricant down the hole to loosen it?  I would appreciated any help!

thanks

Dave  

Answer
Sounds like you have a curb stop. You need a t-tool to turn it. I've come across some very stubborn one's. Sometimes you just have to put your weight behind it and turn. Counter clock wise is the standard. Pouring cooking oil on it won't help and it's bad for the ground. In the future it will have to be changed.