How to Turn Off Your Gas Shutoff Valve

By Michael Franco

December 12, 2025

If you’ve never had to deal with your home’s gas supply, you may not even know where the shutoff valve is, let alone how to use it. But in an emergency — or even for a simple appliance swap — knowing how to turn off the gas could save your property and keep your family safe. It’s one of those household basics that feels intimidating until you’ve done it once. After that, you’ll realize it’s a straightforward process.

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Where Is My Gas Shutoff Valve Located and How Do I Find It?

Your home will usually have two types of gas shutoff valves: a main shutoff valve that controls the flow of gas into the entire house, and appliance-specific shutoff valves that cut gas to individual stoves, water heaters or dryers.

The main shutoff valve is most often located next to your natural gas meter. For most homes, that’s outside—either along a side wall, near the garage or in the backyard. The meter will have one or two pipes coming out of the ground, with a rectangular or oval valve connected right before the meter itself. That’s your main valve.

The appliance shutoff valves are smaller valves connected directly to the gas line behind or beside each appliance. For example, the stove may have a valve on the wall just behind it, while the water heater might have one located on the incoming gas line above or beside the tank.

If you’re having trouble locating the valve, your gas utility company can walk you through it over the phone. In some cases, a technician can come out and show you in person. It’s a good idea to identify both your main and appliance valves before an emergency happens.

Reasons You Might Need to Shut Off Your Gas Supply

There are a few different situations where shutting off the gas is the safest move:

Gas leak: If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, hear a hissing sound or suspect a leak, shutting off the gas right away is crucial.
Appliance replacement or repair: When you’re swapping out a stove, water heater or dryer, you’ll need to cut gas to that unit.
After an earthquake, flood or major storm: Shutting off the gas can prevent explosions or fires caused by damaged lines.
Before extended travel: Some homeowners turn off the main valve if they’ll be away for months at a time, especially in areas prone to natural disasters.

How to Turn Off Your House's Gas Supply

Here’s a safe way to shut off your gas, whether you’re dealing with an emergency or a planned project:

Locate the Valve

For the main supply, find the gas meter outside. The shutoff valve is usually on the pipe just before the meter.

For appliances, look for the smaller valve directly behind or beside the unit.

Get the Right Tools

Most main line gas shutoff valves require a wrench (an adjustable crescent wrench works well). Some appliance valves can be turned by hand.

Position the Wrench

Place the wrench on the square or rectangular part of the valve stem.

Turn the Valve a Quarter Turn

Rotate the valve 90 degrees (a quarter turn). When the valve is aligned with the pipe, it’s open. When it’s perpendicular to the pipe, it’s closed.

Confirm The Gas Is Off

Double-check that the valve handle is across the pipe (perpendicular), not in line with it (parallel). That’s the universal sign that the gas flow is shut down.

Leave The Gas Off Until It Is Safe

If you turned off the main supply because of a suspected leak, do not try to turn it back on yourself. Call your gas company so a technician can restore service safely.

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How Can You Tell if the Gas Valve Is On or Off

The easiest way to tell is by looking at the valve’s position:

On: The valve handle (or the slot in the valve stem) runs in the same direction as the gas pipe.
Off: The handle or slot is at a right angle to the pipe.

Think of it like a gate—when it’s open and in line with the fence, things pass through. When it’s swung across the opening, nothing can get by.

For appliance valves, you may also notice that the pilot light goes out or the flame disappears when the gas is off. But don’t rely on that alone—the physical position of the valve is the more reliable indicator.

Extra Tips for Safety

Don’t practice during a leak: If you smell gas, leave the house immediately and call your gas company from outside. Only shut off the main valve if it’s safe to do so without lingering inside.
Label the valve: Once you’ve located it, mark it with a tag so other household members know where it is.
Keep a wrench handy: Some people zip-tie a wrench to their gas meter for quick access.
Don’t try to restore service yourself: Turning gas back on can be dangerous because of trapped air in the lines. Always let the gas company do it.

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