Walnut Creek Plumber - How to Shut off Utilities - Guaranteed Plumbing Danville, CA

 

There is no cost involved in teaching everyone in your home about how & when to turn off the gas, electricity, and water after an earthquake. This can be as simple as clearly marking where the shut-off valves are, and posting instructions close by. Below are some common examples of shut-off valves. Even if you have something different, like a propane tank, the shut-off will be similar. If you cannot find the shut-off valves, or you do not understand the valve system, call your local utility company or tank provider. Remember, consider shutting off utilities if you can smell gas, smell or see fire, or see damage to, from, or near the utility lines. It is wise to shut off utilities if you are going to leave the home for extended periods of time. This is because of the probability of aftershock.

before an earthquake

TEST YOUR GAS VALVE: Locate and identify your gas meter and main shut-off valve with those persons you believe could and should know how to shut off your gas if necessary. Identify the master shut-off valve. Paint the valve bright red. Note: Caution, there may be more than one shut-off on your meter. Use the illustrations of gas meter (pg. 18) and main shut-off valves (above) to help you identify yours. Using a 12" adjustable, or other appropriate wrench, turn the main valve 1/8 of a turn only to the right or left. (This movement may be difficult at first) CAUTION: Be careful, do not to turn any valve MORE than 1/8 turn to the right or left when testing. (If you do, pilot lights will very likely go out and it will require a trained person to relight them.) After you have moved that valve to ensure that it works, KEEP THE WRENCH AT THE METER, use plastic "zip ties" or straps to secure it to your meter. If you use an adjustable wrench be sure to store it pre-fit to your valve. That way in case it rusts or corrodes it will still fit. Heavy oil or grease applied to the moving parts of the wrench, before you secure it, will help keep it functional and ready for use. Do not buy any plastic or fiberglass gas wrenches. They become brittle with time. If the main valve will not turn 1/8 turn, then call the Gas Company immediately to have it fixed or replaced. gas shut off Locate main gas shut-off (usually outside house) at the gas meter. The valve is usually on a pipe coming out of the ground, going into the gas meter. Turn the valve crosswise to the pipe (see the large example on the "Utilities" page under "Before the Earthquake". All the pilot lights in and around your home (stove, furnace, clothes dryer, swimming pool/ spa heater, water heater, etc.) will go out when you turn the valve off. You will need to have the gas company, or another qualified individual (plumber, contractor, or trained homeowner), relight every pilot when turning the gas back on. Forgetting to relight all the pilot lights could result in a dangerous gas buildup in your home. Remember, if you don't smell gas or have severe damage to your home you should not have to shut the gas off. It's your decision. Clear the area around the main gas shut-off valve for quick and easy access in case of emergency. A wrench (or specialty tool), for turning off the gas, should be attached to a pipe next to the shut-off valve or in another easily accessible location. You may want to paint the shut-off valve with white or fluorescent paint so that it can be located easily in an emergency. If you are concerned about your ability to turn off the main gas shut-off valve or are unsure if it is in proper working order (indication of rust, etc.) or do not know how to relight your pilot lights, contact your local gas company. They can send a service representative to your house to show you the proper procedure and check the valve and pilot lights to be sure they operate properly.    source www.friendlyplumber.com