Your shutoffs
| Shutoff | What it controls | Where it is in your home | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-water service valve at the unit | Water into the heater only | ||
| Hot-water service valve at the unit | Water out of the heater only | ||
| Gas valve at the unit | Gas to the heater only | ||
| Unit's outlet or circuit breaker | Power to the heater's controls | ||
| Home's main water shutoff | All water to the house | ||
| Gas meter shutoff | All gas to the house |
How to make the map
- Start at the heater.Trace the cold line into the unit and find its service valve, then the hot side. Note the handle positions when open.
- Find the gas valve.Locate the shutoff on the gas line just before the unit. A handle in line with the pipe is usually open; ask a plumber to confirm on your setup.
- Find the power.Note the outlet the unit plugs into and label the breaker in the panel.
- Find the main water shutoff.In many Fullerton homes it is where the line enters the house or at the meter box near the street. Check that it turns.
- Find the gas meter.Note where the meter is. Do not turn the meter valve unless there is an emergency or a utility instructs you to.
- Photograph and post.Take photos of each valve, print the map, and post it near the heater and the electrical panel.
Which shutoff for which problem
- IfGas smellThenDo not touch valves or switches inside. Leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- IfWater leaking from the unitThenClose the cold-water service valve at the unit; if it fails, close the home's main.
- IfWater spraying near the outletThenShut off the breaker at the panel if you can reach it safely, then stop the water.
- IfPlanned flush or repairThenFollow the manual: power off, unit gas valve closed, service valves closed.
Keep the path clear
Garages fill up with storage, bikes and boxes. Leave a clear path to the heater's valves and to the main shutoff, and keep anything flammable away from a gas unit and its vent. A shutoff you cannot reach in the dark is not much help in an emergency.
Common questions
My unit has no service valves. What do I close?
Close the home's main water shutoff. Consider having a plumber add service valves.
Should I shut off the gas meter myself?
Only in an emergency when it is safe, or if a utility or first responder tells you to. Relighting is for SoCalGas or a qualified professional.
Who should know where the shutoffs are?
Every adult in the household, and anyone house-sitting.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.