if they need to change the meter then they don't have to shut if off at the street.or if you need to change that second valve same thing.it's just like a double protection which is good.

sometimes you'll see a bypass so they can work on the meter without interrupting the service.

so if i want to change the second (broken) valve i don't have to shut off the water at the street? if i turn off that first valve and my water shuts off at all my faucets, tub etc... then i'm good to go and i can then fix the broken valve? i can't get my water company to call me back. i was always told to never touch the first valve.

just don't force it.

thanks. i appreciate your input.

Actually there should be three valves

Before the meter then the meter and a TEE and then another valve on the bull of the tee used to test the meter and then one on the outlet ( run) of the tee

Reason being the meter inspector can shut the house side of the meter open the test tee valve and draw off a gallon or 1 cu ft of water (7.48 gallons) to make sure the meter is recording the correct amount of usage

is that a fire sprinkler service line?

also is that second valve in the closed position?

just curious.

Yes it is a sprinkler and the valve that looks closed is rising stem type thus it is closed as the system is under a test..

GREAT observation

Here how is this one

whatever it is it's off .

what is that blue thing between the valves?

that's the meter right?