Natural gas safety starts with knowledge and preparation. Help manage safety and emergency needs by understanding how to find your gas shut-off valve, how to use it correctly, and when to call professionals. Express Plumbing, Heating, and Air is ready to assist with gas line inspection, repair, and other services in Boise, Idaho.
How to Locate and Use Your Gas Shut-Off Valve
The main gas shut-off valve is usually located near the gas meter, either outside your home or in a utility space. To shut off the gas in an emergency, turn the valve 90 degrees so that the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. A licensed professional should handle turning the gas back on.
If you smell gas indoors or suspect a leak, evacuate your home and call a professional for help.
Why Every Homeowner Should Know Where Their Gas Shut-Off Valve Is
Knowing where to find your gas shut-off valve and how to use it allows for a faster response in urgent situations, such as a furnace gas leak or water heater failure.
Safety during gas leaks or emergencies
Gas leaks can occur suddenly, and a minor delay in response allows flammable gas to fill a room and pose a serious risk of fire or explosion. Inhaling gas can also cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
Peace of mind for you and your family
When your household knows how to shut off the gas in an emergency, you’re less likely to panic when a problem arises. Walking through the shut-off procedure with your family gives them confidence and reduces confusion during stressful situations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Gas Shut-Off Valve in Your Home
Most homes have two types of shut-off valves — the main gas shut-off for the entire house and smaller appliance-specific shut-offs.
Common locations for residential gas valves
Also called the street-side valve, the main gas shut-off valve is usually located outside, near the gas meter or where the gas line enters your home. In colder climates, the gas valve may be near appliances or in the basement or crawlspace to prevent freezing. Some homes have an interior (house-side) valve in addition to a street-side valve.
What the valve looks like
The gas shut-off valve is attached to a rigid metal pipe and should have either a lever or flat rectangular tab that requires a wrench to turn. The handle’s direction indicates the valve’s status — parallel to the pipe when the gas is on and perpendicular when it’s off. The valve may also have a tag from the gas company or a manufacturer label identifying it as the main shut-off.
How to Shut Off the Gas Safely
You can turn the gas to your house off safely with the right tools and preparation. Some valves turn by hand, while others may need a crescent wrench or a specialty gas shut-off tool.
Follow these steps to shut off the gas supply to your home:
- Step 1: Turn off all gas-powered appliances.
- Step 2: Locate the gas shut-off valve.
- Step 3: Rotate the valve handle 90 degrees or until it’s perpendicular.
- Step 4: Check your appliances to confirm the gas is off — for example, the pilot light in your furnace should be off, and your gas stove shouldn’t respond.
What to Do After You Shut Off the Gas
After you shut off the gas, wait for a professional to solve the underlying issue and turn the gas back on. Licensed professionals follow pressure regulation, leak detection, and pilot relighting procedures before turning the gas back on.
Our Licensed Gas Line Services
Express Plumbing Heating & Air provides full-service support for homeowners throughout the Treasure Valley. Our services include:
- Gas line inspections, repairs, and replacements
- Emergency gas shut-off assistance
- Peace of mind with licensed, insured technicians
Call Express Plumbing Heating & Air for Gas Line Services
While knowing how to shut off gas lines in your home is useful, help from a professional is even better. Express Plumbing provides fast and reliable service for gas line inspections and repairs across Boise, Nampa, and other areas. Whether for an emergency or routine service, contact us today to schedule with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I shut off my gas?
You should shut off your gas if you suspect a leak or smell gas inside your home. Many homeowners also shut their gas off after earthquakes, ahead of major storms, or during extended trips away to prevent gas leaks from spreading undetected.
How can I turn off the gas valve for the stove or water heater?
To turn off the gas valve to your water heater, look for the valve above or beside the unit on the incoming gas pipe. Turn the valve until it’s perpendicular to the pipe. For the stove, look around the unit for a flexible gas line connected to a small shut-off valve and turn it perpendicular to the pipe.
Is it safe to leave my gas off for a long time?
Leaving your gas turned off is safe and sometimes recommended for vacant properties or long-term travel. Notify your gas utility if you plan to be away for extended periods.
