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Gas leaks may occur due to events like earthquakes, construction accidents, or malfunctioning appliances. Here's what you should know about turning off the gas in these situations.
It's crucial to be familiar with how to shut off various systems in your home, such as electricity, gas, and water. While this post focuses on shutting off the gas, stay tuned for future posts on turning off your water main and cutting power to your electrical systems.
If you detect the smell of gas, hear escaping gas, or notice any damage to the gas line, immediately contact your gas company. It's important to inform them of the situation as soon as possible. Then, find your gas meter, where you'll find the main shut-off valve.
Gas meters are commonly located at the front or side of residential homes for easy access by meter readers. They may also be found inside cabinets, either within or outside your home. Knowing the location of your gas meter in advance is a good idea in case of an emergency.
In this video, Geo shows you how to turn off your gas using a crescent wrench or a 12" adjustable wrench. If you're into tools, you can also purchase a gas shut-off wrench, which can serve as both a water shut-off tool and a pry bar.
When facing your meter, you'll notice a pipe running from the ground to the meter. This is the main gas line. The shut-off valve is located about 6"-8" above the ground. When the valve is parallel to the pipe, the gas is on, and when it's perpendicular to the pipe (shaped like a plus sign), the gas is off.
If you confirm that the gas is on, rotate the valve 90 degrees in either direction to turn it off.
For additional helpful guides, check out these articles and diagrams from SoCal Gas and PGE on how to shut off your gas line.
