One of the most common faults we see in the home service industry is homeowners and residents lack of knowledge when it comes to emergency utility shutoffs. There are a variety of circumstances that can arise which would require quick action to safely and securely turn off your utilities.
How to Shut Off Electricity
Electricity should be shutoff anytime you are installing appliances, fans, switches, etc., it is always better to be safe than sorry with electricity. To shut off your electricity you will need to locate and access the circuit breaker. In some instances, you may need to shut off your power entirely, in this case flip the main circuit breaker.
When it comes to your fuse box it is important everything is marked. That way in a time of emergency you can immediately find which circuit breaker needs to be shutoff.
Locating the Gas
Gas can be more risky than other utilities. It is recommended that you only turn off the gas if you know where the leak is and if it has not been leaking for a long time. It is also recommended that it only be shut off at the outdoor meter. If you are not aware of where the leak is or how long it has been leaking leave your home and immediately and the call the gas company or the fire department.
Turning Off Water
Water can usually be turned off at the source when fixing a leaky toilet or faucet. To do so look for the valve behind the fixture. If a broken pipe occurs or it’s a larger emergency turn the water off at the main indoor shut-off valve located in the basement or utility area. To stop the flow, turn the valve handle clockwise. There is also a valve shut-off outside by the meter that you can shut-off. Sometimes this takes a special tool and may require you to consult your water company.