What you are mapping
A typical Fullerton home has one main gas valve at the meter and a smaller valve behind or beside each gas appliance. The meter valve stops gas to the whole house. Each appliance valve stops gas to that appliance alone, which helps when an appliance is being replaced or serviced.
Older houses often have surprises: a valve for a wall heater that was removed years ago, a branch to a garage or patio, or an appliance with no valve at all. Finding those now is the point of the map.
Shutoff map
| Valve | Location | Type and tool | Condition notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas meter valve | ______________ | Tab valve, wrench | ______________ |
| Water heater | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| Furnace or wall heater | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| Range or cooktop | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| Dryer | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| Fireplace or log lighter | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| Outdoor line (barbecue, fire pit, pool heater) | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
| Capped or unused outlets | ______________ | ______________ | ______________ |
How to walk the house
- Start at the meter.Find the meter outside and the valve on the riser pipe below it. Note which way the tab sits when open.
- Follow the pipe.See where the line enters the house: up an outside wall to the attic, or into the garage.
- Visit each appliance.Look behind or beside each gas appliance for a valve with a lever handle on the rigid pipe before the flexible connector.
- Check the garage and yard.Look for branches to the garage, laundry, patio or pool equipment.
- Note anything odd.Mark appliances with no valve, valves with nothing attached, and connectors that look old or kinked.
What you will see
- Meter valve
- A tab-style valve on the pipe below the meter. Belongs to SoCalGas; you may close it in an emergency.
- Appliance valve
- A quarter-turn valve with a lever handle. Handle along the pipe means open; crosswise means closed.
- Flexible connector
- The short flexible line from the appliance valve to the appliance.
- Cap or plug
- A fitting that seals an unused outlet. A valve with nothing attached and no cap should be capped.
Flag these for a licensed contractor
Common questions
Where do I keep the map?
With your gas smell plan, in a kitchen cabinet or with your emergency supplies, plus a photo on your phone.
What if I cannot find a valve behind the range?
Many are behind a lower drawer or panel. If there truly is none, ask a licensed contractor to add one.
Should I label the valves?
A simple tag on each valve can help, especially for outdoor branches.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.