How to Shut Off Gas, Water & Electricity
During a leak, flood, fire or earthquake, you may need to shut off utilities fast. Find your shutoffs now, while it’s calm, and make sure every adult knows how.
- Homeowners
- Renters
Photo: gas meter shutoff valve, water main valve and electrical main breaker, each labeled
Water
- The main shutoff is usually where the water line enters the house (basement, crawl space, garage, or utility closet), or at the meter near the street.
- Turn the valve clockwise (or a lever a quarter turn) to close it.
- Shut it off for burst pipes, major leaks or when you leave for a long time in freezing weather.
Electricity
- Find your main breaker (or main fuse) at the electrical panel.
- Turn off individual breakers first, then the main.
- Never touch the panel if you’re wet or standing in water. Call the utility or fire department instead.
Natural gas
- The shutoff valve is usually on the pipe next to the gas meter. Use a wrench to turn it a quarter turn so the valve’s tab is crosswise to the pipe.
- Only shut off gas if you smell gas, hear a leak, or are told to by officials. See Gas Leaks.
- Once the gas is off, don’t turn it back on yourself. A qualified technician or the gas company must restore service and relight pilot lights.
Tip: keep a shutoff wrench tied near the gas meter, and label the water main and panel so anyone in the house can find them.
To-do: get ready this weekend
- Find the main water shutoff and test that it turns
- Label the water main with a bright tag
- Find the electrical panel and make sure every breaker is labeled
- Find the gas meter shutoff (don’t turn it off) and hang a shutoff wrench nearby
- Show every adult and teen in the house where each shutoff is
- Put the utility companies’ emergency numbers in your phone
- Add a flashlight near the panel and the water main
Standards & references
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