What "key" for this main stopcock?

[Pete E]

After fixing a mixer tap in the kitchen and struggling with stockcock under the sink, it occured to me that I did not know where the main external stop valve for my property was.

After having a look around today, I have found it just over the boundary in next doors garden and when I lifted the cover, the round 8" plastic pipe/housing was 3/4 full of soil!

20 minutes of digging later I unearthed the installation in the attached pic. It seems it was renewed about 5 years ago just before we moved in.

I assume the blue disk/seat is for a water meter? And the round bodied valve with the raised bar on it is the on/off tap?

If so, does anybody know the name of the tool for turning it? It may be that it's designed to be turned by hand, but the hole is that deep, I can only reach it by lying on the ground which is less than ideal.
Thanks in advance,
Peter

 

[Harvest Fields]

Should be able to move that with your fingers matey.

 

[Darren Jackson]

Try one of these
Works every time and saves your knees.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Only 1/4 turn

Dickie Dyer 578338 15.014 Crutch Head Stopcock Key 875 mm/34-Inch: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Free delivery and returns on all eligible orders. Shop Dickie Dyer 578338 15.014 Crutch Head Stopcock Key 875 mm/34-Inch.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Pete E]

Should be able to move that with your fingers matey.

Yes, but the chamber is so deep, it means lying down on the lawn to reach it, which I am trying to avoid in future...
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Shaun , Robert, thanks for those recommendations...providing they are compatible with the fitting, they are exactly the sort of thing I am after....

Regards,

Peter

 

[moonlight]

Or you might be able to blag one from the water board.

 

[SimonG]

Length of timber with a slot cut out.

 

[Pete E]

That might very well be the simplest solution...

 

[Pete E]

Should be able to move that with your fingers matey.

I guessed that, but it's stuck...I tried with a pair of mole grips, but didn't want to force it...

 

[Chuck]

I guessed that, but it's stuck...I tried with a pair of mole grips, but didn't want to force it...

Don't force it, get the water company to come and fix / replace it for you.