When should I shut off the gas (and when should I leave instead)?
If you smell gas, leave the house first and call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 and 911 from outside; don't stop to shut anything off. Once everyone is out, shut off the gas at the meter only if you can reach it safely from outside, or when SoCalGas or 911 tells you to. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn so the tab sits crosswise to the pipe. Once it's off, only SoCalGas should turn the meter back on.
Smell gas, earthquake, or planned work: what to do
STRONG GAS SMELL OR HISSING: LEAVE FIRST. Don't stop to shut anything off inside. You might create a spark. Get everyone out of the house, then call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 and 911 from outside. Turn off the gas at the meter only if you can reach it safely from outside.
Faint gas smell: Leave the house, then call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 and 911 from outside. Don't use light switches, phones, or anything that could spark on your way out.
After an earthquake (if you smell gas or hear hissing): Get everyone out first. From outside, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 and 911. Turn off the gas at the meter only if you can reach it safely. Some homes have an automatic seismic gas shut-off valve after the meter. If yours has tripped, don't reset it yourself. Have SoCalGas or a qualified plumber such as Sweetwater reset it, check your appliances, and relight the pilots.
Planned work: For work on one appliance, close that appliance's own gas valve instead of the meter. Gas appliance and gas line work should be done by a licensed plumber; Sweetwater handles gas line repairs and relights the pilots when the work is done.
How to shut off gas at the meter:
- Find the meter: Your gas meter is usually on the side or front of the house.
- Find the shut-off valve: It's on the pipe coming up from the ground, below the meter, and has a rectangular tab with a hole in it.
- Turn it a quarter turn: Use a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench to turn the tab a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe. When the tab runs the same direction as the pipe, the gas is on.
- Leave it off: Only SoCalGas should turn the gas back on at the meter (1-800-427-2200). Keep a wrench near the meter so it's there when you need it.
Need gas work done? For a gas line repair, a new gas appliance connection, or relighting after work, call (909) 312-4516 or text (909) 247-6791.
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