Gas Appliance Shut-off Valves

Home gas systems contain two types of shutoff valves:  the main or master shutoff valve for stopping the flow of gas to the entire home, and individual shutoff valves for each gas appliance.  

Homes with natural gas have a main shutoff valve located just before the gas meter.  This meter, called a street-side valve, is normally rectangular.  When the handle is parallel to the incoming gas line, it is open and the gas is flowing.  To shut off the gas flow, use pliers to turn the handle a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming pipe. Then it is closed.

Appliances such as dryers, ranges, and gas fireplaces should have a shutoff valve that's easily accessible in the same room and within 6 ft. of the appliance.  They are usually behind the dryer or range. These shutoff valves allow you to cut off gas to make repairs or replace the appliance without shutting off gas to the entire home.

These type of valves are usually single-level ball valves.  If the handle is parallel to the gas line it means gas is flowing.  Turn it perpendicular to the line to shut off the gas.