Notes on Utility Shut-offs

After receiving a call from a client this morning looking for their contractor and in panic suspecting a gas leak, I realized that it is important to be educated on how to turn of the main utilities in case of an accident or any suspicious incidents. 

Just a few notes on Utility Shut-Offs:

Electrical

The primary Switch is usually the main electrical panel that contains the breakers and fuses. This panel is usually on an inside wall behind the outside electrical meter, or in the basement below. Snap the circuit breaker switch, normally at the top, labelled “Service disconnect” or “Main” to OFF to cut electrical power to the entire house. 

Water

Water enters your home through a 3/4” to 1-1/2” diameter pipe connected to water main that usually runs under the street. This pipe, normally plastic or steel, is buried below frost level to avoid freezing. The easiest way to locate the water shut off valve is to locate the meter. In mild climates, the meter will probably be in a box located close to the street. In colder climates the meter should be inside the house. In either case the shut-off valve will be on the water main side of the meter.

Gas

The main Gas line generally runs 18” underground and surfaces next to the house in a steel sleeve by the meter. Just before the meter there is a rectangular shut-off knob that must be turned with a wrench to stop gas flow. In rare cases the meter and the shut-off valve are inside the house. There is also a shut-off valve located inside the house on the other side of the meter which is much simpler to use by homeowners till the professionals arrive on sire.