How to use this worksheet
Print this page, take a flashlight and a phone camera, and walk the building with whoever knows it best: the owner, the property manager or a long-time kitchen manager. Fill in each line, photograph each valve and note what tool is needed to turn it. Then sketch a simple floor plan and mark every location.
The finished map belongs in two places: posted in the office or near the back door, and saved on each manager's phone. Update it whenever equipment moves, a valve is replaced or a new manager starts.
Main shutoffs
| Shutoff | Location | Tool needed | Photo taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main water shutoff (building side) | ☐ | ||
| Water meter location | ☐ | ||
| Building gas shutoff at the meter | ☐ | ||
| Electrical panel for water heater and equipment | ☐ | ||
| Irrigation water shutoff | ☐ | ||
| Fire sprinkler riser (do not operate; note only) | ☐ |
Kitchen and fixture shutoffs
| Fixture or equipment | Water stop location | Gas valve location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water heater | Strapped? ☐ | ||
| Dish machine and booster | |||
| Ice machine | |||
| Three-compartment sink | |||
| Prep and hand sinks | |||
| Ranges, fryers, griddles | Restraint cables? ☐ | ||
| Restroom toilets and urinals | Control stops labeled? ☐ | ||
| Beverage and soda system | Backflow device? ☐ |
Drain access points to mark on the map
Test each shutoff safely
- Pick a quiet time.Test water valves before opening or after close, when turning water off will not disrupt service.
- Turn slowly.Old valves can stick or start leaking at the stem when moved. Stop if one will not turn and note it for a plumber.
- Confirm it works.Open a fixture downstream to confirm the water stops, then reopen the valve.
- Do not exercise gas valves for practice.Locate and photograph gas shutoffs, nothing more. If you ever turn the building gas off, relighting pilots should be handled properly and SoCalGas may need to restore service.
- Record problems.List any valve that is seized, leaking or blocked by equipment.
Questions to ask the property manager
- Which shutoffs affect other tenants?
- Who should be told before the main water is shut off?
- Are any valves known to be seized or leaking?
- Where are the clean-outs for the shared sewer line?
Common questions
How often should we update the shutoff map?
Whenever equipment moves, a valve is replaced or the layout changes, and at least when a new manager is trained.
What if the main water valve will not turn?
Do not force it. Note it and have a licensed plumber repair or replace it, because a seized main valve is a problem in an emergency.
Should staff know how to shut off the gas?
Staff should know where the shutoffs are, but the first response to a gas smell is to leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.