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Gas shut-off

There is typically no reason to shut off your natural gas service at the meter, even after a natural disaster.

After a natural disaster

In a post-disaster situation, such as a major earthquake, unless you smell, see, hear or suspect that gas is escaping, do not turn off your gas service at the meter. If the meter is shut-off, only PSE can restart service, so restoration times will be delayed and you could be without energy for quite some time.

More on earthquake safety, including seismic shut-off valves.

In the event that you need to turn off your gas service at the meter, follow these steps:

  • Locate your main gas service shutoff valve. It's usually the first fitting on the natural gas supply pipe coming out of the ground next to the meter.
  • With a wrench, turn the lever in either direction until it is crosswise to the pipe.
  • Once the gas is turned off, leave it off. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN IT BACK ON YOURSELF.
  • Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 and we will turn it back on, check the system and relight your appliances.

To temporarily shut off natural gas to any appliance

For non-emergency situations, such as a new appliance installation, you may want to turn off the gas to individual appliances or have your installer do this for you. The valve is typically located on the fuel line entering the appliance. You can usually turn this valve on and off by hand.

Excess flow valves

Most customers who had service installed or upgraded after 2006 have an excess flow valve that will automatically restrict the flow of gas if the gas service is damaged under some circumstances. If your service is not equipped with this type of valve, you may have one installed at your own expense. More.

main gas service shutoff valveIllustration of main gas service shutoff valve showing the "on" position of the lever aligned parallel to the pipe and the "off" position aligned crosswise to the pipe.