Gas Appliance Information

Most gas appliances have a gas shutoff valve located near the appliance that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only. 

In some cases, turning off the gas at the appliance's shutoff valve will suffice if there is a gas leak or the appliance needs to be replaced or serviced. You should have an appliance gas shutoff valve installed at each gas appliance so that you can turn off the gas to that appliance only, instead of shutting off all gas at the main gas service shutoff valve.

To turn off the gas at the gas appliance shutoff value, rotate the valve a quarter turn.

Many older gas appliances and most water heaters have a small, continuously burning gas flame, the pilot light, that ignites the main burner. Some newer models have electronic igniters.

If the pilot light is out, shut the gas off at the appliance’s gas shutoff valve. Always wait five minutes to let gas disperse before trying to relight an appliance pilot light.

Follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions to relight a pilot light. Often, basic relight instructions are located inside the main burner compartment door. If you cannot relight the pilot light yourself, call City Hall or another qualified professional for assistance.

When lighting the burners, light the match before you turn on the gas. If the flame goes out, turn off the burner and let the gas disperse before relighting. Please review the following tips:

• Clean away any grease, oil or debris from the area to prevent a grease fire.
  • In the event of a grease fire, never add water. Use baking soda or, if the fire is in a pan, use a lid to smother the flame. Stock your kitchen with a fire extinguisher.

Please review the following information in regards to water heaters:

• If your water heater is elevated, make sure the platform is sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the water heater if it moves during an earthquake
• Make sure your water heater is securely anchored to a wall to prevent it from shifting or falling during an earthquake