How To Turn Off The Gas Supply

Identifying Your Gas Meter Location

In Strathfield homes, the gas meter is most commonly located within a meter box in the front yard or on the external wall of the house, near the gas line’s entry point.

Frequently encountered gas meter types in Strathfield are:

• Diaphragm gas meters - Identified by a rotary dial display
• Ultrasonic gas meters - Feature a digital display
• LPG meters - These upright gas cylinders have a valve tap on top for cutting off the supply, and they’re often housed in the meter box.

If you’re unsure of your meter’s location, trace the gas pipeline from the hot water system connection to its source. Consult with your registered gas fitter or visit our website to comprehend fully your unique gas shutoff valves and clearly label them.

Finding the Shutoff Valve on Your Gas Line

The gas shut-off valve enables manual control over your home’s gas supply. The valve, which is typically situated right on the inlet tubing heading to your gas metre, is pivotal. You can typically find it:

• Often situated between the meter setup and the external perimeter of the property
• Affixed to the exterior wall closest to the meter
• On the ground adjacent to the meter

The off valve features a T-shaped handle that runs perpendicular to the pipe. Rotate the handle 90 degrees to the off position, aligning it parallel with the pipe.

Take these steps before turning off your gas valve:

• Ascertain that no potential ignition sources are present before turning gas supply off during a gas-related crisis
• Shut off your water supply and open windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation
• Use caution when operating antique valves which may be stiff or fragile

It’s advisable to clearly label your gas shut-off and routinely test it to guarantee its function in emergencies.

Turning Off the Main Gas Shutoff Valve

To shut off the gas supply to your property, follow these steps:

1. Inform all household members that you are about to turn off the entire gas supply to your home.
2. Make certain that all your appliance pilot lights in your home are extinguished, if feasible. This encompasses your hot water system, ovens, cooktops, etc.
3. Circulate fresh air around your natural gas apparatus by leaving windows or entryways open, ensuring the gas off meter scenario is managed well.
4. Locate the primary valve at your meter to cut off the gas through the supply pipe that leads to it. It will feature a T-shaped handle.
5. To turn your natural gas supplies off, simply rotate the supply valve T-handle 90 degrees until it lies perpendicular to the pipe. For LPG gas, manipulating the top cylinder tap valves securely in a clockwise direction is essential to ensure closure.
6. After shutting off the gas, contact your gas provider to safely restore your home’s gas supply. Fully qualified technicians must reignite your appliances’ pilot lights.

When the handle is set to off, gas will cease to flow into your home. Always exercise caution when dealing with the gas pipe to ensure safety. Should you be uncertain, promptly call our emergency plumbing team to protect your property on 1300 349 338.

Relighting Pilot Lights After Shutting Off Gas

Once the gas supply is restored by professionals, you’ll need to relight the pilot lights. Water heater pilot lights, along with those for space heaters, pool heaters, and ovens, often require relighting.

To relight your pilot lights, refer to the appliance instruction manual for specifics or contact a licenced gas fitter if in doubt. Typical steps involve:

1. Confirming the shutoff valve is open and any individual appliance valves are turned on
2. Pressing the pilot light button while holding an ignition source to the pilot light nozzle
3. Continuing to hold down the button for 30-60 seconds once lit to allow the safety thermocouple to warm up
4. Releasing the button and ensuring the pilot remains lit
5. Finally turning on the appliance’s main burner

An optimally functioning pilot light displays a crisp, well-defined blue flame with merely slight yellow tips. A small flame that produces excessive soot, a yellow flame or a flame that goes out when released may indicate a problem requiring professional attention.

If after several attempts your pilot lights fail to ignite, turn off my gas supply without delay and call a licensed gas fitter at our office on 1300 349 338, available 24/7.

Calling a Professional For Help

In emergencies or when uncertain about gas management, it’s wise to get in touch with a licensed professional gas fitter. The experienced technicians at Strathfield Plumbing are available 24/7 on 1300 349 338 to respond rapidly to gas leaks, pilot light issues or metre damage.

You should immediately call our professionals in situations such as:

• You smell gas anywhere in your home
• Your gas metre, pipes or appliances are damaged
• A gas leak is suspected
• Pilot lights fail to stay lit after repeated attempts
• Any sign the gas system is not working correctly

As licensed gas fitters, our technicians can efficiently address and resolve:

• Quickly assess issues and gas supply off promptly
• Detect and repair leaks along pipes or fittings
• Relight intricate gas appliances pilot lights systems
• Replace damaged parts like regulators or valves
• Advise on gas infrastructure upgrades

Our skilled teams, with their advanced tools and extensive training, will quickly and efficiently ensure the safety and functionality of your gas system and its components. For reliable emergency response and repairs, trust the locally based team at Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338.

Gas Line and Appliance Safety Tips

Protecting the integrity of your gas lines and appliances requires continuous caution and mindfulness. Follow these tips:

• Acquaint yourself with the odour of gas and consider any scent as a possible emergency situation.
• Schedule annual gas fitting inspections and address any leaks immediately.
• Ensure the gas shutoff valve can be turned without obstruction.
• Comprehend how to adequately turn your gas off in a risk-free way.
• Keep the area around your gas metre clear for easy access.
• Consider adding shutoff valves for each appliance.
• Replace old flexible gas connections made from materials like rubber.
• Always refer gas work including relighting pilot lights to licenced professionals.

Being proactive in monitoring your gas pipes gives you control in the event of a gas leak or other hazardous situation. If in doubt, Strathfield Plumbing’s experienced technicians are ready to assist 24/7 on 1300 349 338.

Considerations For Permanent Gas Disconnection

Opting to permanently disconnect your gas supply involves serious considerations with various consequences. Key considerations include:

Safety During Disconnection

Only licensed technicians, such as those at Strathfield Plumbing, should undertake gas disconnections. We follow all required safety procedures to prevent leaks and enable pipe capping.

Impacts on Home Systems

Once your gas appliances are disconnected from the supply, they will no longer function. Alternative electric or renewable replacements may be required for hot water, heating, cooking etc. Gas pipework may also deteriorate over time once not in use.

Effects on Property Value

The absence of connection to your LPG or mains gas may influence your home’s market value either way. We advise discussing this specifically with your real estate agent.

Cost Considerations

Our qualified gas fitters can talk you through all expenses involved in permanent disconnection. This may include mains capping, appliance replacements, electrical upgrades and more.

For professional consultations on securely cutting off your gas supply, contact our friendly team at Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338.

Maintaining Accessibility to Your Gas Meter

Ensuring the area surrounding your gas meter is clear of obstructions is crucial for maintaining easy access. Overgrown vegetation, stored items, or structures may block access to the metre, preventing crucial safety inspections, routine maintenance, and emergency gas shutoffs.

Ensure accessibility with these practical tips:

• Clear a 1m radius around the metre free of plants or debris
• Ensure the shutoff valve handle is visible and can move freely
• Avoid building fences, structures or features that restrict metre access
• Check periodically that the metre box door fully opens
• Have professionally trimmed back any trees or shrubs encroaching on the metre

Maintaining a clear path to your gas meter is vital for quick emergency interventions and routine safety checks. Contact Strathfield Plumbing on 1300 349 338 for further maintenance advice or inspections.