Know Your Home
How to Shut Off the Water, Gas, and Electricity

Most homeowners know where their thermostat and smoke detectors are located. However, many are less familiar with the systems that supply water, gas, and electricity to their homes.

If a pipe breaks, an appliance leaks, or another emergency occurs, knowing how to shut off your home’s utilities can help limit damage and keep your family safer. The middle of an emergency is not the ideal time to begin searching for a valve, electrical panel, or the right tool.

Every home is different, especially in the Sacramento area, where houses range from historic bungalows to newly constructed homes. Shutoff locations, valve styles, electrical panels, and utility connections can vary. Taking a few minutes to learn about your home now can make a major difference when something unexpected happens.

Why Every Homeowner Should Know Their Utility Shutoffs

Your home’s water, natural gas, and electrical systems are designed to operate safely. However, damaged pipes, faulty appliances, severe weather, earthquakes, remodeling work, and normal wear can create situations where a utility needs to be turned off quickly.

Knowing where your shutoffs are can help you respond to:

• A broken or leaking water pipe
• An overflowing plumbing fixture
• Water collecting near electrical equipment
• A damaged gas line or gas appliance
• Sparks, damaged wiring, or an electrical burning smell
• Earthquake or storm damage
• Repair or remodeling work
• Instructions from emergency officials or your utility company

Before trying to operate any shutoff, make sure it is safe to approach. If you see fire, smell gas, hear arcing, see sparks, or encounter standing water near electrical equipment, leave the area and call for emergency assistance.

How to Shut Off the Water to Your Home

Water damage can spread quickly. Knowing how to stop the flow of water may help protect your flooring, cabinets, drywall, furniture, and other belongings while you wait for a plumber or contractor.

There are two main ways to shut off water: at an individual fixture or at the main water shutoff.

Using an Individual Fixture Shutoff Valve

If a leak is limited to one fixture, you may not need to turn off the water to the entire house. Many plumbing fixtures and appliances have their own shutoff valves.

You may find individual valves

• Under sinks
• Behind toilets
• Behind or near washing machines
• Near water heaters
• Near dishwashers
• Along supply lines leading to certain appliances

Until recently, most tub and shower valves did not have their own shut-off valves. That meant if a repair was needed, the water had to be shut off to the entire house.

At SHEcan2, when we remodel a bathroom, we upgrade tub and shower valves to models with integrated shut-offs whenever possible. This allows the water to be turned off at just that fixture, much like you can with a sink or toilet.

We don’t just do this to make our job easier. We do it for the next person who may need to make a repair. Faucet and tub/shower cartridges eventually wear out, and when they do, that’s often when the drip, drip, drip begins.

It’s a small upgrade that can make future repairs much easier and more convenient for the homeowner.

Something to note: a small oval or round handle will typically turn clockwise to close. A lever-style valve is generally closed when the handle is turned until it is perpendicular to the pipe.

Do not force a valve that is stuck, heavily corroded, or beginning to leak around the handle. An older valve can break when too much pressure is applied. If the valve does not move easily, turn off the main water supply if you can do so safely and contact a plumber.

Finding the Main Water Shutoff Valve

The main water shutoff controls water entering the home. Its location will depend on the age and layout of the property.

Common locations include

• Where the main water line enters the house
• Inside a garage
• Near the water heater
• In a basement or crawl space
• On an exterior wall
• Inside a utility closet
• In a ground-level box near the property line or sidewalk

Some homes have a separate homeowner-operated valve between the municipal water meter and the house. The valve located directly at the water meter may belong to the water utility and may require a special meter key. Homeowners should check with their local water provider before operating equipment at the meter.

Turning Off the Main Water Supply

Once you have located the correct homeowner-operated valve:

1. Make sure the area around the valve is safe and accessible.
2. Turn a round or wheel-style valve clockwise until it stops.
3. For a lever-style ball valve, turn the handle one-quarter turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe.
4. Open a faucet briefly to confirm that the water flow slows and stops.
5. Leave the water off until the leak or damaged plumbing has been evaluated.

If a pipe has broken, move belongings away from the water if it is safe to do so. Avoid entering standing water when electrical outlets, cords, appliances, or panels may be involved.

The American Red Cross recommends turning off the water at the main valve when water pipes are damaged and contacting a plumber for help.

How to Shut Off the Electricity

Your electrical panel distributes power to the lights, outlets, appliances, and equipment throughout your home. Knowing how to identify the individual circuit breakers and the main breaker can help during an electrical problem.

Electrical systems can be dangerous. Never remove the electrical panel cover, touch exposed wiring, or attempt an electrical repair unless you are properly trained and qualified.

Finding Your Electrical Panel

Electrical panels are commonly located

• In a garage
• On an exterior wall
• In a utility room
• In a basement
• In a hallway or closet
• Near the electrical meter

The panel should contain individual circuit breakers and, in many homes, a larger main breaker that controls power to the entire house. Some older homes may have fuses or a separate main disconnect instead.

Keep the area in front of the panel clear. You should be able to reach it without moving boxes, tools, furniture, or other stored items.

Turning Off One Electrical Circuit

If the problem is limited to one appliance, outlet, or area of the home, you may only need to turn off the breaker controlling that circuit.

1. Identify the correct breaker using the panel directory.
2. Make sure your hands are dry, and you are standing on a dry surface.
3. Move the breaker firmly to the OFF position.
4. Confirm that the affected lights, outlets, or appliance no longer have power.

Circuit labels are not always accurate, especially in homes that have been remodeled. Test and update your panel directory before an emergency occurs. Use clear descriptions such as “Kitchen Counter Outlets” or “Primary Bathroom,” rather than vague labels such as “Plugs” or “Lights.”

Turning Off Power to the Entire House

If there are sparks, broken wires, damaged electrical equipment, or the smell of hot insulation, it may be necessary to shut off power at the main breaker, but only if you can reach it safely.

To turn off the main electrical supply

1. Make sure your hands are completely dry.
2. Stand on a dry surface and to the side of the panel.
3. Do not proceed if the panel is wet, damaged, hot, buzzing, smoking, or sparking.
4. Locate the large breaker marked MAIN or the home’s main disconnect.
5. Move the main breaker firmly to the OFF position.

Turning off the main breaker cuts power to most or all circuits in the home. However, the service lines and some components feeding the panel may still be energized. Turning off the main breaker does not make it safe to open the panel or touch electrical wiring.

SMUD advises homeowners to use dry hands, stand on a dry surface, and stand to the side when operating a main breaker.

If there is standing water between you and the electrical panel, do not walk through it. Leave the area and call the fire department, your electric utility, or a licensed electrician.

What If a Circuit Breaker Trips?

A circuit breaker may trip when a circuit is overloaded or when another electrical problem occurs. A tripped breaker often rests between the ON and OFF positions.

To reset it, first unplug or turn off devices connected to the affected circuit. With dry hands and while standing on a dry surface, move the breaker fully to OFF and then back to ON.

If it trips again, leave it off and contact a licensed electrician. A breaker that repeatedly trips may be warning you about an overloaded circuit, damaged wiring, a faulty appliance, or another condition that needs professional attention.

How to Shut Off the Natural Gas

Natural gas requires special caution. Homeowners should know where the gas meter and shutoff valve are located, but gas should not be turned off without a valid reason.

PG&E advises customers not to shut off the gas unless they smell gas, hear it escaping, see a broken gas line, or suspect a leak. If the gas is shut off at the meter, it must not be turned back on by the homeowner.

Recognizing a Possible Gas Leak

Signs of a natural gas leak may include

• A sulfur-like or rotten egg odor
• A hissing, whistling, or roaring sound
• A damaged gas line or appliance connection
• Dirt or dust blowing from the ground
• Unusual bubbling in standing water
• Dead or dying vegetation near a gas line
• Physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or headache

Do not depend only on smell. Some people may have difficulty detecting the odor added to natural gas.

What to Do If You Suspect a Gas Leak

If you smell gas or suspect a leak

1. Alert everyone nearby and leave immediately.
2. Do not turn lights or electrical switches on or off.
3. Do not use a phone, flashlight, appliance, garage door opener, match, lighter, or vehicle near the suspected leak.
4. Move to a safe location away from the building.
5. Call 911.
6. Call PG&E’s emergency line at 1-800-743-5000.

Do not remain inside searching for the source of the odor. Do not try to repair a gas appliance or connection yourself.

You can review PG&E’s complete natural gas emergency guidance and show everyone in your household what to do before an emergency occurs.

Operating the Main Gas Shutoff Valve

The main gas shutoff is usually located on the gas supply pipe near the meter. In many installations, the valve is open when its rectangular tab or slot is parallel with the pipe. A quarter turn moves it perpendicular to the pipe and closes the valve.

The exact arrangement can vary. Ask PG&E or a qualified professional to identify your shutoff and demonstrate the correct procedure before an emergency. Keep the appropriate wrench in an accessible location near the meter, but do not attach it in a way that could interfere with the equipment.

Most importantly, do not turn the gas back on yourself. PG&E or another qualified professional must inspect the system, restore service, and safely relight appliances. According to PG&E, turning off the gas unnecessarily may also result in a delay before service can be restored.

Make a Home Utility Safety Plan

Finding each shutoff is only the first step. Create a simple plan so other members of the household also know what to do.

Your plan should include

• The location of the main water shutoff
• The location of individual plumbing shutoffs
• The location of the electrical panel and main breaker
• The location of the gas meter and shutoff valve
• Clear labels on valves and circuit breakers
• The correct tools for water and gas shutoffs
• Contact information for your water, gas, and electric providers
• Contact information for a trusted plumber and electrician
• Instructions for family members who can safely operate the shutoffs
• A plan for children, older adults, pets, and anyone needing assistance

Take clear photos of each shutoff and save them on your phone. You can also place printed instructions with your household emergency supplies.

Ready.gov encourages homeowners to learn how to shut off their utilities before an emergency occurs. Your local utility providers can help you understand the equipment used at your particular home.

Inspect Your Shutoffs Before You Need Them

A shutoff valve is only helpful if you can find and operate it. During a routine home inspection, repair, or remodeling project, ask a qualified professional to check that your valves and electrical panel are accessible and clearly identified.

Watch for

• Corroded or leaking water valves
• Valves that are difficult to turn
• Missing or inaccurate electrical panel labels
• Damaged electrical panel components
• Stored items blocking access
• Landscaping covering the water or gas shutoff
• Missing tools needed to operate a valve
• Utility equipment that household members do not understand

Do not test the main gas shutoff by turning it off. Ask your gas provider or a qualified professional to explain how it operates.

Know When to Call a Professional

Knowing how your home works does not mean you have to handle every problem yourself. Call a qualified professional when:

• You cannot locate the correct shutoff
• A valve is stuck, corroded, or leaking
• You see sparks, smoke, damaged wires, or signs of overheating
• A circuit breaker repeatedly trips
• Water is near electrical equipment
• You smell gas or suspect a gas leak
• Your electrical panel is wet or damaged
• You are uncertain whether it is safe to proceed
• Repairs or modifications are needed

In an immediate emergency, leave the property and call 911. Your safety comes before preventing damage to the home.

A Little Preparation Can Make a Big Difference

You may never need to shut off all the utilities in your home, but knowing how to do so is an important part of being prepared. Walk through your property, identify the shutoffs, label them clearly, gather the proper tools, and make sure another responsible member of your household knows the plan.

SHEcan2 has helped Sacramento-area homeowners understand, improve, and care for their homes since 1999. Whether we are remodeling a kitchen, renovating a bathroom, repairing damage, or opening a wall to investigate a problem, we believe homeowners should understand the systems that keep their homes working.

Download and print SHEcan2’s handy Shut off guide

If you need help with a home repair or remodeling project, contact SHEcan2 to schedule a consultation.

This article provides general educational information. Utility systems and shutoff procedures vary by property. Follow the instructions provided by your utility company and consult a qualified professional when you are uncertain.