Tried to buy one but all sold out.

How do I get my Water Meter Manhole open without a key? Need a hack and can't seem to find anything.

Does a Crescent wrench not work?

The key is normally just for shutting the valve in front of your meter on and off. Water meter boxes usually just have the snap on lids, but maybe you have something different.

Ah misunderstood your question...didn't realize it was the manhole.

I used a masonry hammer to pull mine off the other day just to check it out. Ours is heavy so a screwdriver wouldn't cut it. A regular car lug wrench might work.

It is a MANHOLE with a key hole. I do not have a water meter key to get the lid off. Yes I can use pliers to turn valve off...

I need help with the lid portion. TIA. Starting to see burst pipe videos and starting to get a little worried haha.

Paint can opener?

AnyOtherName said:

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It is a MANHOLE with a key hole. I do not have a water meter key to get the lid off. Yes I can use pliers to turn valve off...

I need help with the lid portion. TIA. Starting to see burst pipe videos and starting to get a little worried haha.

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Can you get a big set of slip joints in there and just grab it?

You should be able to use a screwdriver to depress the spring so that it can be lifted out.

Any luck OP?

I had an old plumber once who used something like small needle nose pliers and the cap from a bic pen to reach in and trigger the release. I think I remember even doing it myself one time using his trick. All this does is help get the "manhole" cover open. So try googling something like using a pen cap to open the water main cover?

Edit: I took a swig of wine to enhance my recollection. Yes, this bic pen hack works. I was able to get the cover off this way. You grasp the "tail" of the pen cap with the pliers at a 90 degree angle and then the combined tool should closely match the shape of the key hole. Hold on really tight and it will work.

I now remember, it was the plumber who the foundation company hired to do the static test on my drainage side after I had piers installed. He smelled like he had been drinking for ten days straight so it was not surprising he could get the cover open with ease without the proper tool. I remember him telling me that the pen cap was the perfect fit.

Find one ASAP. Had a pipe bust at my house this evening. When I finally found the dang thing (it was covered in snow and mud), it was locked. Took me a shovel and a crow bar and fifteen minutes before I got the top off and shut off. Neighbor came out with a key right when I finally got it up. Took me three hours to get all the water up.

OP, are you referring to one of these? If so, use a hammer, crowbar, lug wrench, etc.

If you have an old screwdriver or a piece of wire/rebar that will hold its shape and small enough to fit in the slot, you can bend to a 90 angle that will reach the latch holding the cover on. Just make it about as long as the key hole, then you may have to Jimmy with it a bit to get it in there. Turn like a key until you find the spring.

If you're in town, you can also use my water meter key, just make sure it's curved the right direction first. They started making some curved to the left and some to the right.

I always used a heavy screwdriver at an angle. There wasn't ever a lock or anything inside to turn, just gotta get get something sturdy in the hole and use it to lever the lid off.

Also you may or may not have snakes in there. It was a popular rattlesnake hideout where I grew up.

Potcake said:

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OP, are you referring to one of these? If so, use a hammer, crowbar, lug wrench, etc.

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I bet he's talking about this. This is what I have and what Dallas water utilities has. If Dallas were smart, they'd tweet or put information out for people to open these up. Water meter key is not a common household item

Yep. The right angle screwdriver works though. I've seen some make the screwdriver into sort of a U shape so they get more leverage.