Abstract: A valve alignment tool for correctly aligning the valve box above each shut off valve in the water pipes of a underground water main. The valve alignment tool fits over the square stem nut of the gate valve, and fits in sliding engagement with the valve box to align the bottom of the valve box around the square stem nut of the gate valve. The top of the valve alignment tool protrudes above the surface of the ground and contains a bubble level so that it can be held vertically as the sections the valve box are slid down the outside of the valve alignment tool. When the trench around the underground water main has been filled in, and the top section of the valve box has been put in place, the valve alignment tool is withdrawn.