How To Turn Off Your Gas Meter Valve

Introduction to Turning Off Your Gas Supply

Homeowners must know how to safely switch off their natural gas supply to prevent hazardous situations.

Situations when you might have to shut off gas include performing maintenance on gas appliances, suspecting a gas leak, or installing new gas-powered equipment. Padstow Plumbing, with expertise in gas fitting and plumbing, is equipped to guide Padstow and the greater Sydney residents in safely turning off their gas systems.

There are a few common reasons homeowners may need to interrupt their gas supply:

• Conducting repairs or routine maintenance on gas appliances like your water heater, cooktops or pool heaters
• Replacing old appliances with new gas-powered models
• Suspecting a leak in the gas line and needing to turn off the flow for safety
• Making alterations or extensions to the gas supply pipes
• Arranging for upgrades or repairs on gas pipe networks leading into the residence

With over a decade of experience in domestic and commercial plumbing, Padstow Plumbing demonstrates how to turn off the gas supply under varied circumstances. Our skilled technicians can inspect your gas setup, conduct repairs, install new units, and demonstrate the operation of the gas meter and shutoff valves effectively.

Locating Your Gas Meter

Typically, your gas meter is located outside your home, within a meter box on the perimeter. Confirm the security of your gas supply and seek expert guidance to ensure correct turn-off procedures are followed if unsure.

It’s critical to know where to find your meter, which might be in locations such as garages, under stairs, or inside older homes. Newer dwellings tend to follow updated regulations with exterior placement. Identifying your gas metre location before an emergency situation arises ensures you can access it promptly if needed.

You can identify your gas meter by seeking out the distinctive grey boxes measuring around 30 cm x 50 cm, with visible pipework signalling a gas connection.

Contemporary digital meters feature a flow readout dial that verifies the stoppage of gas flow post-shutdown, aiding in their identification. Should any uncertainties linger, discover more on our website or by reviewing your property blueprints, inspecting your gas bill or consulting your gas fitter.

Identifying the Gas Shutoff Valve

The gas shutoff valve is usually located in a position that allows you to manually interrupt the stream of gas, acting as a critical safety element. This valve, vital for shutting off gas, is usually stationed in proximity to your gas meter, either on the apparatus itself or on connecting pipelines.

Gas shutoff valves for appliances such as your hot water system typically have a quarter-turn mechanism, where a 90-degree turn changes the valve from open to closed. When the valve handle is perpendicular or horizontal to the pipe, it signifies the valve is locked and the gas supply is off, halting the flow.

Avoid tampering with any other valves around gas appliances or pipework, as these are precision-set for controlling outlet pressure. Only utilise the specific shut off valve for interrupting the main gas stream.

Consult a certified gas fitter if you are struggling to pinpoint the valve needed to shut off the pilot supply for your home’s appliances.

Safely Shutting Off the Gas Supply

When you need to turn off your gas supply, follow these safe steps:

1. Ensure all gas appliances like stoves, water heaters and pool heaters are switched off, including extinguishing any pilot lights.
2. Locate your gas metre, usually in a grey metal box outside along the perimeter of your home.
3. Identify the quarter-turn round handle gas shutoff valve; your meter indicates when it’s fully closed, thus halting the gas supply.
4. For protection, wear gloves when operating the valve and use an adjustable wrench if needed.
5. Carefully turn the valve handle perpendicular to the pipe to put it in the closed, off position.
6. Ensure the valve is fully closed by attempting further rotation; gas flow is halted when the valve is perpendicular to the pipe.
7. If uncertain about the process, calmly seek assistance from skilled plumbers regarding the water supply shut-off.

With a decade of expertise, Padstow Plumbing assists homeowners in safely managing their gas supply. Our technicians are ready to inspect your gas installation and verify you can isolare supply when required.

When to Call a Professional

Calling a professional gas technician is essential in certain situations when managing your gas supply:

• If you’re at all unsure about safely turning off the gas at any point
• If you suspect a leak in a gas appliance or pipework
• When installing or servicing gas appliances
• For general gas safety checks and advice

The team at Padstow Plumbing hold all required gas certifications and have over 10 years of expertise, often assisting homeowners when they need turn off their gas supply. Contact us at 1300 349 338 or via email at jobs@padstowplumbingservices.com.au for proficient help with shutting off your gas or servicing your gas systems.

Always verify the qualifications of your gas technician - look for a Photocard licence from the Plumbing Industry Commission on licensed gas fitters.

Relighting Appliances After Turning the Gas Back On

Once the gas supply is reinstated after an interruption, you’ll need to relight any appliances with pilot lights. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for relighting instructions specific to your appliance models. In some cases, it may be advisable to have a professional gas fitter relight pilots to ensure safety.

The standard procedure for relighting appliance pilot lights involves:

1. Make sure the gas is turned back on at the meter shutoff valve before attempting to relight any pilots.
2. Extinguish all sources of ignition such as cigarettes, flames or sparking electrical tools.
3. Open the appliance door and locate the pilot light nozzle.
4. Press the pilot valve and light the nozzle using a long barbecue lighter. Hold for 60 seconds until pilot stays lit when released.
5. For combination pilots that also set off the main burner, activate the appliance to relight your primary flame.
6. Repeat for all appliances fitted with pilot lights, such as water heaters, pool heaters and space heaters.
7. If ever unsure, call a professional gas technician to safely relight pilots.

Padstow Plumbing’s licensed gas fitters can safely handle the pilot lights of the appliances in your home. Call us on 1300 349 338 or email

Gas Safety Tips and Precautions

When using gas in your home, being aware of safety is crucial. Here are top tips to ensure your gas lines are managed safely:

• Routine servicing of gas appliances by a qualified professional is essential for preventing malfunctions.
• Familiarise yourself with the location of your gas metre and shutoff valve so you can turn off supply quickly if needed.
• Learn to recognise the signs of a potential gas leak, like a 'rotten egg’ smell, which may indicate a compromised gas cylinder. If you suspect a leak, evacuate the vicinity and ring up the gas company or identify your supply valve in case you should turn it off immediately.
• It’s a good idea to install carbon monoxide alarms for extra safety.
• Carefully adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional when relighting appliance pilot lights.
• Educate household members on gas safety basics like what to do if they smell gas.
• Before excavating outdoors, dial 1100 to check if any underground gas pipes need marking.

Padstow Plumbing boasts over a decade of experience in gas fitting and plumbing. For gas safety assessments or leak repairs, call us at 1300 349 338.

Who to Contact for Additional Help

For help with gas supply management or inquiries about when to activate or deactivate your gas, Padstow Plumbing is here to assist the residents of Padstow and the wider Sydney area.

Our fully certified technicians, specialising in gas fitting and plumbing services with over a decade of experience, have the expertise needed to assist you with:

• Emergency gas leak detection and repairs
• Turning gas supply on or off
• Gas appliance installation, servicing and maintenance
• General gas safety inspections and advice

We understand that gas systems can seem complex, but our friendly team makes it easy to keep your gas appliances running efficiently and safely. Contact us anytime on 1300 349 338 or jobs@padstowplumbingservices.com.au.

If you need help outside business hours, contact the gas emergency line at 131 909. Should you detect a potentially hazardous gas leak, contact emergency services without delay.