Shutting off natural gas service
The natural gas shut-off valve is at the meter where the riser pipe comes out of the ground, usually found at the front or side of a house or building. The natural gas shut-off valve should only be closed in emergencies. If you don't smell or hear natural gas escaping, you probably don't need to shut off gas service. Doing so may unnecessarily deprive you of energy you may need to cope with the emergency.
To turn off natural gas service
- Consider the safety of approaching the building.
- Locate the meter shut-off valve. It's usually the first fitting on the gas supply pipe coming out of the ground next to the meter.
- Use a long-handled wrench to give the valve one-quarter turn in either direction so the lever is crosswise to the pipe.
- Once the gas is off, leave it off. Contact PSE to inspect the system, and to check and relight appliances.
Shutting off individual gas appliances
For temporary shutoff during non-emergency situations, use the fuel-line valve located near each appliance. The valve is typically located on the fuel line entering the appliance. Most of these valves can be operated by hand. Once the gas is off, leave it off until a qualified service representative can check out the system.