How to find the gas shutoff and learn what to do if you smell gas
Your gas shutoff valve sits on the pipe entering the meter, usually outside or in an external closet. A quarter turn closes it, leaving the lever across the pipe. If you smell gas or hear hissing, get everyone out first, then call the gas company from a safe place.
Where is the gas shutoff valve?
Go to the gas meter and follow the pipe that comes into it. The shutoff sits on that incoming line, usually outside or in an external closet, and in some homes the meter is in the basement. On many valves you'll see a flat tab. When the tab runs along the pipe, gas is flowing. A quarter turn with a wrench, in either direction, leaves it crossing the pipe, and that means off.
Meter setups differ, so don't rely on a general description. Ready.gov advises calling your gas company and asking for the correct procedure for your meter. Then practice the motion without actually closing the valve.
Propane homes work differently. The shutoff is on the storage tank, and your propane dealer can relight appliances if you haven't been trained to do it.
Most gas appliances also have their own small valve on the line behind them, including the furnace, water heater, range and dryer. Those are handy for planned service, but they aren't your emergency valve.
Learn to shut off gas at the meter without closing it
- Find the meter
Look outside first, then in an external closet or the basement. Note how you'd reach it in the dark.
- Spot the valve
Follow the incoming pipe to the valve and look at which way its tab sits now. Take a photo of it.
- Call your gas company
Ask for the correct shutoff procedure for your meter and the 24-hour emergency number.
- Keep a tool at the meter
Hang a wrench or shutoff tool by the meter. Check that it actually fits the valve tab.
- Practice without closing
Show each adult the motion and where the tab ends up. Don't actually turn off the gas.
- Note the appliance valves
Find the small valves behind the furnace, water heater, range and dryer so you can point them out to a technician.
- Practice the leak rule
Rotten-egg smell or hissing means leave on foot right away. Nobody looks for the source.
Set up a gas shutoff valve plan for the household
Hang a crescent wrench or a gas shutoff tool at the meter, or in a set spot close by. Ready.gov's basic emergency kit includes a wrench or pliers for this reason.
Save the gas company's emergency number in every adult's phone and write it on your emergency card. Show every adult where the valve is. Then agree on one rule for the whole household, and make sure older kids know it too.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You smell gas or hear blowing or hissing | Get everyone out. Close the outside valve only if you can reach it safely. Call from a neighbor's home. |
| You see a broken gas line or suspect a leak | Keep away from it, shut off at the meter if it's safe, and call the gas company. |
| No smell, no sound, no damage | Leave the valve alone. |
| The gas has been shut off for any reason | Wait for the utility or a qualified pro. Never turn it back on yourself. |
That third row matters. San Mateo County warns that getting service back may take several days, and after a disaster many neighbors may be waiting too. Closing the valve just in case can leave you without heat or hot water for no reason.
What to do if you smell gas and the valve won't turn
If the valve won't turn, don't hit it, force it or spend time on it. Move everyone away from the building and call the gas company and 911 from a safe distance. The same applies if you can't reach the meter or the smell is strong.
If the valve looks rusted solid, or the tab looks bent or damaged, don't try to fix it or test it. Ask your gas company to look at it. Gas piping work is for the utility or a licensed professional.
While you're leaving a building that may have a leak, avoid flames and electrical switches. That includes lighting anything, flipping lights on or off, using the phone indoors and starting a car or a garage door opener. Don't go back inside until the gas company says it's safe.
Gas shutoff valve questions
Should I turn off my gas after an earthquake?
Only if you smell gas, hear it escaping, see a broken line or suspect a leak. Turning it off without one of those signs can leave you waiting days for the utility to restore service.
Can I turn the gas back on myself?
No. Ready.gov is clear that only a qualified professional can turn it back on once it's been shut off. The utility checks the system and relights pilots safely.
Who should I call if I smell gas?
Call your gas company's emergency line from a neighbor's home or well away from the building. Call 911 too if the smell is strong or anyone feels unwell. Don't make either call from inside the house.
Sources: Ready.gov, smcgov.org, csusm.edu, humanservices.hawaii.gov
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.