How to Turn Off Gas to House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine the unsettling hiss of a gas leak, or the urgent need to shut off the gas supply during a flood or earthquake. Knowing how to safely and effectively turn off your home’s gas is a critical life skill that every homeowner and renter should possess. While we hope you never have to use it, understanding the procedure could prevent significant property damage, injury, or even save lives in an emergency situation. Gas leaks can lead to explosions, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning, making a quick and informed response absolutely essential.

This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to locate your gas meter and safely shut off the gas supply to your house. We’ll cover essential safety precautions and helpful tips to ensure you can perform this crucial task with confidence. Remember, familiarity with this procedure can empower you to react decisively in a crisis, protecting yourself, your family, and your community.

What Tools Do I Need and How Do I Turn It Back On?

Where is the gas shut-off valve typically located on my property?

The gas shut-off valve is most commonly located next to your gas meter, which is usually found outside your house, either attached to an exterior wall or near the property line.

The valve itself is usually a rectangular valve or a lever. You might also find it near the ground, sometimes partially buried or hidden by bushes. Look for a metal pipe coming out of the ground or wall leading to the gas meter; the shut-off valve will be on that pipe, before the meter. Some properties, particularly older ones or those with underground gas lines, may have the shut-off valve located near the street, at the gas meter serving multiple homes. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the exact location of your gas shut-off valve *before* an emergency occurs. Take a few minutes to locate it and ensure it’s accessible. Obstructions like overgrown plants or accumulated debris can hinder quick access when you need it most. If you cannot find it, contact your gas company; they will be able to assist you.

What tool do I need to turn off the gas, and how does it work?

You’ll typically need a crescent wrench (also known as an adjustable wrench) or a gas meter shut-off tool to turn off the gas supply to your house. This wrench is used to rotate the gas meter shut-off valve, a rectangular or square-shaped nub, 90 degrees to the closed position, perpendicular to the gas pipe.

The gas meter shut-off valve is usually located near the gas meter, where the gas line enters your property. It’s a critical safety feature designed for emergency situations like a gas leak. The valve controls the flow of gas into your home. When the rectangular nub is aligned with the gas pipe, the gas is flowing. When it is perpendicular to the pipe, the gas flow is stopped.

To operate the valve, securely grip the nub with your wrench and apply firm, steady pressure to turn it a quarter turn (90 degrees) until it is perpendicular to the pipe. Once the valve is in the off position, do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself. Contact your gas company or a qualified professional to inspect your system and safely restore gas service. There may be specific procedures to follow to ensure that all gas appliances are properly and safely relit and that no leaks are present.

How do I confirm the gas is completely shut off after turning the valve?

The most reliable way to confirm your gas is completely shut off after turning the valve is to check your gas appliances. After turning the valve off, go inside your house and try to light a gas stove burner. If it doesn’t light, and you don’t smell gas, the gas is likely shut off. Also check your furnace and water heater to confirm they are not running and attempt to re-light them according to manufacturer instructions; if they don’t light, this confirms the shut-off.

Beyond attempting to light your appliances, listen carefully near the appliances and the gas meter. A faint hissing sound could indicate a small leak, even after you’ve turned off the valve. If you suspect a leak after shutting off the gas, even a very small one, evacuate the premises immediately and call your gas company or the fire department from a safe location. While the above methods are generally reliable, it’s crucial to remember that relying solely on your senses can be risky. If you have any doubts about whether the gas is completely shut off, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and contact a qualified professional. They have specialized equipment to accurately detect even the smallest gas leaks and ensure your safety. Remember, after turning the gas back on, a professional relighting of your appliances is usually recommended to ensure safe and efficient operation.

What should I do after turning off the gas in an emergency situation?

After turning off the gas supply to your house in an emergency, the most crucial next step is to leave the premises immediately and contact the gas company or your local fire department from a safe location. Do not attempt to turn the gas back on yourself, relight any appliances, or use any electrical devices (including phones) inside the building, as even a small spark could ignite accumulated gas and cause an explosion.

Turning off the gas is usually done because you suspect a leak, smell gas, or have been instructed to do so by emergency services. Once you’ve turned off the gas and evacuated, professional assistance is essential. A qualified technician needs to inspect the gas lines and appliances to identify the source of the leak, repair any damage, and ensure the system is safe to use again. They have specialized equipment to detect gas leaks and the expertise to handle gas-related hazards safely. After contacting the gas company or fire department, follow their instructions precisely. They will likely advise you to remain away from the house until it has been thoroughly inspected and cleared. It’s also wise to inform your neighbors about the situation, especially if you live in an attached dwelling, as gas can migrate between properties. Only return to your home when authorized by the gas company or emergency services personnel.

Is there a specific direction to turn the valve to shut off the gas?

Yes, you generally need to turn the gas shut-off valve a quarter-turn in either direction until it is perpendicular to the gas pipe. This means the handle will be positioned crosswise to the pipe, rather than in line with it.

While most gas shut-off valves operate with a quarter-turn, the direction isn’t always standardized. The key is to observe the current position of the valve handle relative to the pipe. When the handle is parallel to the pipe, the gas is flowing. Turning it until it’s perpendicular blocks the flow. Don’t force the valve; if it’s stiff, use a wrench for better leverage, but be gentle to avoid damaging the valve or the pipe. After shutting off the gas, do *not* attempt to turn it back on yourself. Contact your gas company or a qualified professional to inspect the system and ensure there are no leaks before restoring service. They have specialized equipment and expertise to do this safely.

Who should I contact to restore gas service after I’ve turned it off?

To restore gas service after you’ve turned it off, you should contact your local gas company or utility provider immediately. They are the only ones authorized and equipped to safely relight your appliances and ensure there are no leaks in your system. Attempting to restore service yourself can be extremely dangerous.

When you call your gas company, be prepared to provide your account information and address. They will likely schedule a time for a qualified technician to come to your home. This technician will perform a safety inspection of your gas lines and appliances, relight any pilot lights, and ensure that everything is functioning properly. This is a crucial step, as even a small gas leak can have serious consequences, including fire or explosion.

It’s also important to understand why you turned off the gas in the first place. If it was due to a suspected leak, don’t assume the problem is resolved just because the gas is off. Inform the gas company technician about the initial reason for turning off the gas so they can thoroughly investigate and address the root cause. Delaying or neglecting this step could lead to a recurrence of the problem and potentially dangerous situations in the future.

What safety precautions should I take when turning off the gas?

Before turning off the gas supply to your house, ensure you have a good reason to do so, such as a suspected leak or an emergency. Prioritize safety by avoiding open flames or electrical sparks near the gas meter. Open windows and doors for ventilation. After turning the gas off, do not attempt to turn it back on yourself; always contact your gas company or a qualified professional to inspect your system and ensure it’s safe to restore the gas supply.

Turning off the gas to your house should be treated with utmost care. Never smoke or use lighters or matches when you are near the gas meter. Similarly, avoid using electronic devices, as they can potentially create a spark. If you suspect a gas leak, do not use your phone within the vicinity of the leak. Instead, move to a safe location and call the gas company or emergency services. Confirm that all gas appliances are turned off before you shut off the main gas valve. This includes your furnace, water heater, stove, and any other gas-powered equipment. Turning off the appliances first minimizes the potential for a surge when the gas is turned back on. Remember, any pilot lights will also be extinguished. After the gas has been turned off, leave the premises if you suspect a significant leak and wait for qualified professionals to arrive. Attempting to restore gas service yourself is strongly discouraged. Gas lines and appliances are complex systems, and incorrect operation can lead to serious safety hazards, including explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning. Only a qualified technician has the expertise and equipment to safely inspect the system for leaks, relight pilot lights, and ensure that all appliances are functioning correctly.

And that’s it! Hopefully, you’ve now got a good handle on how to safely turn off the gas to your house. Thanks for reading, and remember, when it comes to gas safety, if you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to call a professional. We hope this was helpful, and we’d love for you to come back and visit us again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!