DIY Network

I have a main water valve shutoff outside in the ground. It is contained in a round metal casing and a plastic round lid cover. When i do inside plumbing i have to deal with the water and mud inside this hole. My question is , what can i use to seal this lid so that water and dirt can not get into it. But i need to where i can open the lid and access the valves and reseal it again....any suggestions? TIA

2 things come to mind.
1 dig it up, and under it, and put down some
pea type gravel,reinstall the tube with the dirt and grass on top of the gravel.
also check and see why is it wet. is the packing nut loose and leaking
2nd.. dig it up and install p gravel under it
so that the water con perculate into the ground
good luck, and watch out for snakes

Why not add a second shut off under or inside the house?

i personally would rather not crawl under the house to turn off the water.
just my preference

You also might call your city water department. If it's a main shut-off, in our area, they'll repair it, no cost to the homeowner. They prefer that you do it this way. Unless there's an emergency where you need to turn the water off ASAP, I'd call the city first.

I agree w/Joe on the 2nd shut-off. Do you have a basement where you could put one or maybe in a closet?

Thanks for the replies so far. This main valve is not the city water main valve. The home builder construct this contraption outside my garage wall in the ground. The builder poured concrete on the bottom base then insert a metal cylinder and wrapped it with 1/2 inch concrete. Then place a plastic lid on top. SO back to my question about sealants and caulks. Is there a sealant/caulk that is not permanent but can withstand the elements especially with dirt and water...waterproofing?

the answer to your question is no
not in a pratical sence, it can be sealed up
but it would be a pain in the but, to undo every time. i suggest now that we know what its made out of
to drill a bunch of holes in the bottom
so that it can drain, that would be the logical
thing to me. you can buy a strip of tar.
the same stuff,that it is used. on the construction of manhole covers. or non-fibered
roof cement