How to turn off gas supply safely

Introduction to Turning Off the Gas Supply

Every homeowner should know where and how to properly turn gas off, as it is an essential safety skill. At Coogee Plumbing, our expertise lies in safely turning off gas supplies and imparting essential operational knowledge, honed through decades of servicing homes throughout Coogee and Sydney.

Many Australian households use two types of gas: natural gas and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) equipped with natural gas from the mains supply, and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) from gas cylinders.

This guide will demonstrate how to safely shut off your home’s gas supply, detailing valve locations and operations for both natural gas and LPG systems. We’ll cover both the main shut-off valve where you need turn off the gas at the meter, as well as individual appliance valves.

Comprehending the correct technique to disconnect gas lines could prevent dangerous leaks and align with department energy safety guidelines.

Locating Your Gas Meter

Start searching for the gas meter by examining your home’s perimeter, close to where the gas pipeline enters. The gas meter, which may be attached to the wall or housed in a meter box, connects to the main gas pipe.

Meters are often painted in standout colours like yellow or bright green and clearly labelled, occasionally with a 'Gas’ symbol.

Common starting points for your search include near water pipe entries or meter boxes, typically located at:

• Near the front of the house, by the front door or porch
• Beside the driveway or garage
• On the side wall near the backyard
• By the back door or on the rear exterior wall

Should you have an enclosed outdoor space, the meter is usually located on the fence’s outer side, near where the fuel conduit ushers into your lot. If you live in a multi-story house, it may be located on ground level.

Once you’ve located your meter, closely observe the adjacent area for a lever, knob, or valve on the supply pipe leading into the house. This lever or valve is the crucial emergency component to shut off gas supply your residence depends upon in a pinch.

For advice on gas meter locations or assistance with turning off your gas, contact our experts through our website. Our team, adept in providing service to Coogee and surrounding locales, can find your meter and ensure it’s clearly marked for rapid, safe access in emergencies.

Identifying the Gas Shutoff Valve

First, establish whether your home is serviced by natural gas from the mains or by an LPG cylinder to identify the relevant shutoff valve.

It is a rotatable valve at the upper section which, when maneuvered cylinder clockwise, ceases gas flow from that container.

This valve has a T-shaped handle that you turn 90 degrees until it’s horizontal with the pipe to stop the gas flow. For natural gas systems, the shutoff valve is typically located inside your gas metre box, mounted on the pipe coming into your property.

If you’re unsure of how to shut off your gas or cannot locate the valve, seek immediate assistance from your gas company or our Coogee Plumbing team. Our expert plumbers service Coogee properties and can help you identify, label and prepare your gas shutoff valve for easy access when needed.

Operating the Manual Gas Shutoff Valve

Safety should always be your primary concern when attempting a safe turn of the manual gas shutoff valve. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Ensure your hot water heater, stove, oven, and all other gas appliances are turned off before manipulating the shutoff valve.
2. Locate the shutoff valve on your LPG cylinder or at the natural gas meter. For LPG systems, it is on top of the cylinder. For natural gas, it’s typically inside the metre box on the supply pipe.
3. To safely shut off an LPG cylinder, turn the valve clockwise until tight. For natural gas metres, engage the T-shaped handle, functioning as a valve tap, so it is positioned horizontally across the pipe.
4. Confirm the valve is securely in the off position by checking it is fully tightened. For natural gas metres, the shutoff handle should now be perpendicular to the pipe direction.
5. Should there be signs that gas been released or is suspected, evacuate the space immediately and contact emergency services without delay. For further gas leak assistance, contact your gas provider or the team at Coogee Plumbing.

When away or unsure about operating gas shutoff valves, for safety, switch off all gas appliances and consult a professional. The adept local team at Coogee Plumbing is at your service for guidance on how shut off your gas in a safe manner, addressing any gas supply issues.

Safety Precautions Before Turning Off Gas

Undertake essential safety precautions when shutting off the gas to prevent potential fires or explosions:

• Before handling gas controls, confirm adequate ventilation - you don’t want any gas accumulating in enclosed areas.
• Put out all open flames, cigarettes, candles, etc. to prevent any risk before turning off water or dealing with gas valves.
• Use only plastic or non-sparking metal tools when working with gas fittings.
• Determine which valves are on the house-side and which are the streetside valve. You should only manually turn off house-side valves.
• In the event of a suspected gas leak, evacuate promptly and avoid coming home until the area has been declared safe by the fire brigade.

Always prioritise safety and take the necessary precautions. Contact Coogee Plumbing if you need assistance shutting off your gas supply safely.

Turning Off Gas Supply in an Emergency

1. Evacuate the property immediately and move to a safe location upwind.
2. Call 000 and request the fire brigade.
3. Do NOT turn on/off any electrical switches or use your phone in the home.
4. Do NOT smoke, light matches, candles or create any type of spark or flame.
5. If safe to do so, open doors and windows to ventilate the area.
6. Locate your gas metre outside and turn the shutoff valve to the ‘off’ position.
7. When dealing with LPG systems, you can turn the cylinder valve clockwise to execute closure.
8. Should you ponder 'How do I safely turn the gas back on?', remember not to attempt it yourself - call Coogee Plumbing for emergency aid.

Safety is always the top priority. Remain calm but act swiftly if you suspect a gas emergency. The experienced team at Coogee Plumbing are available 24/7 to respond and rectify any gas supply issues.

Turning Off LPG Gas Supply

Here are the steps:

1. Locate the LPG gas cylinder, which is typically outside the house.
2. Verify all gas appliances your dwelling contains are switched off before engaging the LPG cylinder valve.
3. Check that the area around the cylinder is free of ignition sources like open flames or electrical devices.
4. Use a non-sparking metal wrench to loosen the cover nut on top of the cylinder (if applicable).
5. With gloves on, identify the round valve atop the cylinder and twist the top cylinder clockwise until snug to halt the gas current.
6. Ensure the valve is parallel with the cylinder top and double-check that it’s completely closed.
7. Replace the cover nut and contact Coogee Plumbing if you have any concerns about safely turning your LPG gas off.

Exercise extreme caution when dealing with LPG gas cylinders to ensure safety. The team at Coogee Plumbing can assist with any issues regarding turning off or relighting LPG gas systems.

Turning Off Natural Gas Supply

To shut off the natural gas supply to your home, you’ll need to locate and turn the main gas shutoff valve that is typically found attached to the gas metre. Here are the steps:

1. Locate your outside natural gas metre, usually on the side or back of your home.
2. Find the valve fitted on the pipe coming out of the metre. It usually looks like a spigot or flat lever handle.
3. Use a adjustable wrench or pliers to turn the valve a quarter turn in either direction so the handle is crosswise to the pipe. This shuts off the gas.
4. The handle must now be perpendicular to the pipe to be fully closed. Double check the valve is turned fully off.
5. Turn your gas back on by returning the handle to be parallel with the pipe.

If you face difficulties locating or using your home’s gas shutoff valve, the experts at Coogee Plumbing are here to help. Our technicians service the Coogee area and can assist with safely turning off your home’s gas supply.

Relighting Appliances and Pilot Lights

Once your gas supply is reinstated, you’ll need to relight your appliances with a pilot light based on the guidelines set by the manufacturer. If you are unsure of how to relight pilot lights, it is highly recommended to call a professional.

Here are some general guidelines for relighting appliances once gas is restored:

• Make sure all valves on appliances are turned off before relighting any pilots.
• Open windows in the area for ventilation.
• Refer to the owner’s manual for specific relighting instructions for each appliance.
• Use long matches or a long lighter to reach pilot lights.
• Push in or turn the gas control knob while holding the lighter to the pilot light.
• Continue holding lighter to pilot until it ignites and stays lit when released.
• Slowly turn on gas to appliances once pilot is lit.
• Have all pilot lights inspected by a professional, like Coogee Plumbing, annually.

Be cautious when relighting pilot lights on your hot water systems, ovens, furnaces, fireplaces, and other gas appliances, as it can be risky. Contact Coogee Plumbing if you need professional assistance getting your gas appliances running safely again.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While some minor plumbing issues can be addressed through DIY methods, there are certain situations that unequivocally require the expertise of a licenced professional plumber.

Reach out to the team at Coogee Plumbing as your first point of contact for any gas-related emergencies or when you need to turn off water or gas supplies in a pinch. This includes:

• You smell gas or suspect a gas leak
• Your gas appliances are malfunctioning or pilot lights need to be relit
• Issues with gas shutoff valves or trouble turning gas supply on/off
• Damaged, leaking or corroded gas pipes
• Problems with gas hot water systems or supply lines

It is also advisable to contact Coogee Plumbing for:

• Major plumbing faults like burst pipes or blocked drains
• Tap and valve repair or replacement
• Hot water system servicing and maintenance
• Drain inspections and pipe condition assessments
• Installation or repairs of appliances like dishwashers, washing machines etc

With over 25 years of experience serving Coogee and surrounding areas, our licenced plumbers have the skills to tackle any plumbing challenge quickly and safely.

For emergency gas or plumbing assistance, maintenance, or consultation, contact our team any time at 1300 349 338 or email [email protected]. We are committed to helping our community with any plumbing concerns they may have.