When a tank starts leaking or a pilot area smells wrong, nobody wants to hunt for a valve with a flashlight. This map is for the moment before that happens. Walk the house once, find each shutoff, test that it turns, and write down exactly where it is in words someone else in the household would understand.
Keep a copy in the garage or closet next to the heater and another with your household papers. If you rent, share it with the owner or manager so they can confirm the details.
Fill in your shutoffs
| Shutoff | Where it is | How it closes | Tested on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold water supply to the heater | ______________ | Quarter turn or several turns | ______ |
| Main water shutoff for the house | ______________ | Valve or meter-side shutoff | ______ |
| Gas valve on the heater supply line | ______________ | Handle across the pipe is closed | ______ |
| Gas meter | ______________ | Gas company or responders only | ______ |
| Breaker for electric heater or tankless controls | ______________ | Switch to Off | ______ |
| Heater's own control dial | ______________ | Off, Pilot or Vacation setting | ______ |
How to fill it in
- Start at the heater.Follow the cold pipe entering the top of the tank to its valve. Note the handle type and color.
- Find the gas valve.On a gas heater, trace the gas line back a short distance to its shutoff. A handle in line with the pipe is open; across the pipe is closed.
- Find the main water shutoff.In many Fullerton homes it is where the water line enters the house, often near the front or in the garage. Some homes rely on a valve near the meter.
- Label the breaker.For electric tanks and tankless units, find and label the breaker in the panel.
- Test gently.Turn each water valve closed and open again. If one is stuck or drips, note it for a plumber rather than forcing it.
Keep near the heater
- A printed copy of this map
- A flashlight that works
- Old towels and a shallow pan
- The heater's brand, model and manufacture date written down
- This site's leak response checklist
Ask a plumber at the next visit
- Are all my shutoff valves working, or do any need replacing?
- Is the main shutoff easy enough to reach in an emergency?
- Is the gas shutoff for the heater the right type and accessible?
Common questions
- What if my cold supply valve will not turn?
- Do not force it; old valves can break. Use the main shutoff for the house in an emergency and ask a plumber to replace the stuck valve.
- Should I turn off the gas meter myself?
- If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside. Let them handle the meter.
- Who can tell me where my main shutoff is?
- A plumber can find it on a visit. For questions about the meter or service line, check with the city's water utility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.