Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 5 to 10 minutes
- Duration: 5 to 10 minutes
- Proficiency Level: Novice
- Projected Expense: $0
Occasionally, it might be essential to deactivate the gas supply to a stove or any other appliance that operates on natural gas or liquid propane (LP). Certain routine repairs on stoves and other gas-powered devices might necessitate turning off the gas. Additionally, if you ever notice a slight gas smell in your home, it’s crucial to shut off the gas immediately. Appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, stoves, ovens, and cooktops can all be gas-powered, making it vital to be aware of the locations of the gas shutoff valves on each of these devices.
Contents
Before You Start
Ensure you are aware of the locations of the gas shutoff valves for your stove and any other gas appliances in your residence. If you detect the smell of gas, having this knowledge will save you time, as you won’t need to search for the shutoff valves.
Building regulations stipulate that the gas shutoff valve must be positioned no more than 6 feet away from the appliance and within the same room. If you encounter a situation that does not comply with these regulations, it is advisable to have a qualified technician install a suitable shutoff valve. For standard (freestanding) gas stoves or ranges, these shutoff valves are usually found at the back of the appliance.
Safety Precautions
Whenever you detect a gas leak in any of your appliances, there is a significant risk of a sudden and devastating explosion or fire. Therefore, most utility companies strongly advise evacuating your home right away if you smell gas, and then contacting the utility provider. If the smell is weak, you may cautiously locate the shutoff valve for the appliance to halt the gas flow. It is only safe to turn off the gas to the stove yourself if the odor is faint and is clearly emanating from the stove area.
If you notice a gas odor filling your home or a strong scent as you enter, evacuate the premises right away and contact emergency services from a safe distance.
If you detect a faint gas odor in a confined space, you can turn off the gas yourself before contacting the utility provider or a plumber. Often, the area where the gas smell is strongest can indicate which appliance is having issues or where the faulty connection might be. For instance, if the odor is strongest in the kitchen, the stove or range is likely the source of the problem. When the gas smell is concentrated in a specific area, it is generally safe to promptly shut off the gas supply to that appliance, but always prioritize safety and use your discretion.
Requirements for Your Task
Gear / Instruments
- Flashlight
Materials
- Gloves for work (optional)
Instructions
Ensure Proper Airflow in the Space
In the event of a gas odor, ensure that you open the windows to allow fresh air to circulate in the area. Avoid activating any ventilation fans or using light switches until the gas supply has been turned off and the space has been adequately aired out. If the gas concentration in the air is high, there is a slight, yet significant, risk that electrical sparks from a light switch could ignite an explosion.
Inspect the Burners
Ensure that all the burner knobs on the stove are set to the OFF position. In many instances, a partially open burner valve can be the culprit that permits gas to leak into the kitchen. If this isn’t the issue, proceed to the following step.
Take out the oven drawer.
Gently remove the drawer located beneath the oven and take out all its contents. Completely detach the drawer. Use a flashlight to inspect the space where the drawer was to locate the gas shutoff valve. In older models, the gas shutoff valve is often reachable through the drawer compartment, allowing for easy gas shutoff without needing to move the stove. However, this may not apply to newer models. If the valve is not found in the drawer compartment, check behind the stoveif it is located there, you will need to pull the stove away from the wall to access it. If the shutoff valve is not behind the stove, check beneath the floor in a basement or crawl space, or in a nearby cabinet.
Relocate the stove if necessary.
If the shutoff valve is located behind the stove and cannot be accessed through the drawer compartment, gently pull the stove away from the wall to reach the gas valve. While moving the stove, be mindful of the flexible gas tubing. The connections on this tubing are often the source of gas leaks, so it’s important to avoid moving the stove too abruptly or putting undue pressure on the tubing or its connections. Additionally, refrain from unplugging the stove from its electrical outlet, as removing the plug can pose a minor risk of sparking.
Turn off the shutoff valve.
Find the gas valve handle and rotate it a quarter turn until it stops. This is typically a ball valve featuring a lever handle. However, the handle might be stiff, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while. In such cases, you might need a wrench or pliers, or it might be wise to contact a professional, especially when dealing with gas, if you feel unsure or if the situation is not proceeding as anticipated. When the gas is active, the valve’s knob will align with the gas pipe, while in the OFF position, the handle will be at a right angle to the pipe. To confirm the gas is off, turn on one of the stove burners. If you plan to disconnect the stove’s power cord, ensure the gas odor has completely dissipated first.
Warning
If you continue to detect the scent of gas after turning off the stove’s gas supply, contact the gas company right away to request that they cut off the gas supply to your entire residence and check for any leaks. Leave your home until the technician confirms that it is safe to return.
Gas Shutoff Valves for Stovetops and Wall Ovens
For cooktops that are installed within countertop cutouts, turning off the gas is quite straightforward, as the shutoff valve is typically found within the base cabinet beneath the cooktop. Simply find the valve and rotate it a quarter turn until the handle is perpendicular to the gas line. (When the gas is active, the handle will align with the pipe.) In some uncommon cases, it might be necessary to remove the cooktop from the countertop cutout to access the shutoff valve.
Wall ovens installed within fixed wall cabinets typically feature a gas shutoff valve positioned in a cabinet either beneath or adjacent to the oven for easy access. This arrangement aligns with the code requirement of a 6-foot distance. However, in older setups, locating the shutoff valve for a wall oven can be challenging. It might be situated in a different room or in the basement beneath the oven.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
Contact a gas service provider or a plumbing professional to identify the issue. Although you can examine the flexible gas line and attempt to tighten the fittings or replace the line on your own, the risks involved are significant. It is advisable to have a gas company or a plumber handle the inspection and repairs. In numerous areas, homeowners are advised against or prohibited from performing gas line work due to the associated hazards.
Is it secure to turn off the gas supply to your stove?
It is indeed safe to turn off the gas supply to your stove. It is advisable to do this if you plan to be away from home or if you do not frequently use the gas.
Are you able to turn off the gas supply to your stove on your own?
Certainly, you can turn off the gas supply to your stove on your own if you’re leaving for a trip or if you don’t require gas for cooking. However, if you encounter any issues or require repairs, it’s advisable to reach out to a qualified technician.
What is the appearance of gas valves?
A gas valve typically appears as a compact, rectangular ball valve equipped with a lever handle. When the gas supply is active, the knob of the shutoff valve aligns with the gas line. If the knob is difficult to turn, utilizing a wrench or pliers may be necessary to shut it off.
