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How to Shut off My Gas Line in an Emergency?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Find Your Gas Shutoff Valve

Your gas shutoff valve is usually right next to the gas meter, often on the pipe entering your home. In many cases, the valve is a rectangular tab that you turn with a wrench. Look for it near the floor in a basement, utility closet, or outside against an exterior wall.

If you live in Quincy, write the valve location on a card and keep it near your main breaker panel. Check that you have the right wrench, often a 12-inch crescent or pipe wrench, stored nearby. Practice turning the valve so you know which direction is off, but do not actually shut it off unless there is an emergency.

Turn the Valve a Quarter Turn

When you need to shut off the gas, place the wrench on the valve and turn it slowly until it stops. The valve should end up perpendicular to the pipe, meaning it forms a T shape. That position is the closed position. If the valve is parallel to the pipe, gas is still flowing.

Do not use force if the valve will not move. If it is stuck, do not risk breaking it. Leave the house and call your gas provider from a neighbor's home or your cell phone outside. A stuck valve is a reason to get professional help, not to force it.

  • Turn the valve only a quarter turn to shut it off
  • Check that the valve sits crosswise to the pipe
  • Keep a wrench near the meter at all times
  • If the valve is stuck, get everyone out and call your gas provider
  • Never use a flame or electrical switch near a suspected leak
  • After shutting off, leave the valve off until a professional inspects it

Know the Signs of a Gas Leak

A strong rotten egg smell is the most common sign of a natural gas leak. You might also hear a hissing sound near the pipe or see dust blowing from the ground or a wall. If you notice these signs, do not turn on lights, use your phone, or operate any electrical switches. Even a small spark can ignite the gas.

Leave the building immediately and move to a safe spot upwind from the odor. Once you are outside, call your gas company's emergency number. If you are in Quincy and you suspect a leak, do not try to find the source yourself. Your safety comes before anything else.

After You Shut off the Gas

Once the gas is off, do not turn it back on. Only a qualified professional, such as a plumber or gas utility worker, should restore gas service. They will need to check all your appliances, pilot lights, and the piping for leaks before turning the gas back on. Turning it on yourself can cause a dangerous buildup.

If you shut off the gas because of a suspected leak, keep windows open to ventilate the home while you wait outside. Do not re-enter until a professional says it is safe. If you shut it off for another reason, such as a natural disaster or a broken pipe, the same rule applies: leave it off and call for help.

  • Never relight pilot lights yourself after a shutdown
  • Ask a professional to inspect all gas appliances
  • Ventilate the home if you suspect a leak
  • Call your gas provider from a safe location
  • Keep the wrench in the same spot for future use

What to Do If You Smell Gas

If you smell gas inside your home, do not wait. Evacuate everyone, including pets, and leave the door open as you go. Do not touch any light switches, use the phone, or ring the doorbell. Those actions can create a spark. Go to a neighbor's house or a safe outdoor spot and call your gas company from there.

Your gas company will send a professional to find and fix the leak. If the leak is from a broken pipe or a water heater, that professional may need to shut off your gas at the meter. You can also call a local plumber for help with the repair, but only after the gas is safely off.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know which way to turn the valve?

Most gas shutoff valves turn clockwise to close, but not all. The safest way is to look at the valve. When it is perpendicular to the pipe, it is off. Practice turning it when there is no emergency so you know the direction.

Can I turn the gas back on myself?

No. Only a qualified professional should restore gas service. They will inspect the system for leaks and relight pilot lights safely. Turning it back on without that check can cause a fire or explosion.

What should I do if the valve is stuck?

Do not force it. Get everyone out of the house and call your gas company from a safe location. A stuck valve is a hazard, and the gas company can shut off the gas at the street if needed.

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