Where the meter valve is
In most Villa Park homes the gas meter sits outside against the house, often along a side yard or near the garage. The pipe rising from the ground into the meter is the utility's service line. The shutoff valve is on that pipe, below or beside the meter, usually a short rectangular tab with a hole through it.
When the tab runs in the same direction as the pipe, gas is flowing. A quarter turn so the tab sits crosswise to the pipe closes the valve. The tab is stiff on purpose and usually needs an adjustable wrench or a purpose-made gas shutoff tool.
Should you close the meter valve?
Closing the meter valve shuts off every gas appliance in the house at once, and the gas stays off until the utility restores it.
- IfYou smell gas or hear a hiss near the meter and can reach the valve safelyThenClose it on your way out, then call from a distance.
- IfResponders or the utility ask you to shut it offThenFollow their instructions.
- IfA single appliance needs work and its own valve worksThenClose only the appliance valve, not the meter.
- IfYou just want to test the valveThenDo not. Once closed, it should be reopened by SoCalGas.
How to close it
- Find the valve before you need it.Locate the tab on the inlet pipe now, while nothing is wrong, and note whether shrubs or a gate block access.
- Keep a wrench nearby.Store a 12 to 15 inch adjustable wrench or a gas shutoff tool somewhere you can reach from outside, such as the garage side door or a hose bib box.
- Turn a quarter turn.Fit the wrench on the tab and turn it a quarter turn in either direction until it is crosswise to the pipe.
- Step away and call.Move away from the house and call 911 or SoCalGas. Tell them the gas is off at the meter.
Why you should not turn it back on yourself
When the meter valve closes, every pilot light and standing flame in the house goes out. If gas is turned back on without checking each appliance, unburned gas can flow from water heaters, furnaces and older ranges that relied on a pilot. That is why the restoration step belongs to SoCalGas.
The utility checks for leaks, restores service and relights pilots. If a house-side leak is found, they may leave the gas off at that appliance or at the meter until a licensed plumber repairs it.
Meter valve basics
- Open position
- Tab lined up with the pipe
- Closed position
- Tab crosswise to the pipe
- Tool
- Adjustable wrench or gas shutoff tool
- Who reopens it
- SoCalGas
- Who owns piping after the meter
- The property owner
Automatic shutoff valves
Some homes have an automatic seismic or excess-flow shutoff valve installed on the house side of the meter, designed to close during strong shaking or a sudden surge in flow. Whether one is required for your home depends on local rules and on events such as a sale or remodel, so check with the City of Villa Park. If one has tripped, a licensed plumber or the utility can advise on resetting it safely.
Common questions
Which way do I turn the meter valve?
Either direction works. A quarter turn so the tab sits crosswise to the pipe closes it.
Can I turn the gas back on after a false alarm?
No. Contact SoCalGas to restore service so every appliance and pilot is checked.
The valve will not move. What now?
Do not force it with extra leverage that could damage the pipe. If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas; they can shut it off.
General information for Villa Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.