Water, Gas and Power Shutoffs
Knowing where to shut off the water, gas and power can turn a flood into a quick mop-up. Take five minutes after you move in to find each one, before you need it.
Smell gas? Leave the home right away. Don't flip light switches, use the phone or start a car nearby. Once you're outside and away from the home, call 911 and your gas company. Don't go back in until they say it's safe.
Find these in your home
1. Fixture shutoff valves
Most sinks, toilets and washing machines have their own small valve on the supply line: under the sink, behind the toilet near the floor, or behind the washer. Turn the handle clockwise to stop the water to just that fixture. This is the fastest way to stop a leak at a toilet or faucet.
2. Main water shutoff
The main valve stops water to the whole home. In a house it's usually where the water line enters the building: in the garage, on an outside wall near the front hose bib, or in a box near the water meter at the curb. In a condo or apartment it may be in a utility closet, under the water heater, or controlled by the HOA. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
3. Gas meter shutoff
The gas shutoff is a valve on the pipe next to the gas meter outside. Turning it a quarter turn with a wrench, so the tab sits crosswise to the pipe, stops the gas. Only shut off the gas if you smell gas or see damage and it's safe to do so. Once the gas is off, only the gas company should turn it back on and relight pilot lights.
4. Main electrical breaker
The main breaker is usually the large switch at the top of the breaker panel. Switching it off cuts power to the whole home. For a single circuit that stopped working, see circuit breaker and GFCI troubleshooting.
After you shut something off, submit a maintenance request right away, or call (760) 349-1101 for an active leak. Don't force a stuck valve. If a valve leaks when you turn it, leave it and tell us.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I turn a water shutoff valve?
Clockwise, the same way you tighten a jar lid. A round handle takes several turns. A lever handle closes with a quarter turn, so the lever sits crosswise to the pipe.
Should I shut off the water if there's a leak?
Yes. If water is leaking, turn off the valve closest to the leak first, like the one behind the toilet or under the sink. If you can't find it or the leak is in a wall or ceiling, turn off the main water shutoff. Then call us.
Where is the main water shutoff in a condo?
It varies. Check under or next to the water heater, in a utility closet, or near the front door or patio. In some buildings the shutoff is controlled by the HOA. If you can't find it, ask us and we'll tell you where it is for your home.
Can I turn the gas back on myself?
No. After the gas has been shut off at the meter, only the gas company should turn it back on. They check for leaks and relight the pilot lights safely.
What should I do if a shutoff valve is stuck?
Don't force it with a wrench or pliers. Old valves can break or start leaking. Use the next shutoff up the line, such as the main water valve, and submit a maintenance request.
Is it a good idea to find the shutoffs before there's a problem?
Yes. In an emergency, every minute counts. Find the fixture valves, the main water shutoff, the gas meter and the breaker panel soon after you move in, and make sure everyone in the home knows where they are.
Need help?
Submit a maintenance request in the tenant portal and include photos if you can. Questions? Call (760) 349-1101 or email info@gfhousing.com, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See who handles what for repair responsibilities.