How To Shut Off Natural Gas Valves

[@pingueta01]

Thank you very much, your video was very helpful..I didn't know that the nut opposite the valve was supposed to be loosened..thanks again, keep up the work..

[@dalepatrick1158]

Thanks for all the examples.

[@10whatsmyname01]

I have an older style valve and could not for the life of me figure out why it was so hard to turn. Thank you so much!

[@enduringcharm]

Glad I could help!

[@bruddafudda1193]

Thank you, sir. That was exactly what I needed to know today.

[@mapiador]

Same here, Thank You!!!

[@cdgregOG]

Thank you for the clarity on open v. closed and loosening the top nut. That's what I couldn't figure out.

[@louisgarcia1766]

Thanks, I was questioning whether something was a valve or not. It was missing the ears. Now I know what to call what's missing.

[@mildbill5550]

Excellent. I was dreading installing our new stove because I had failed in the past trying to shut off the stove's gas. Your tutorial made this task easy and I didn't break off the valve's ears!

[@stevewalsh5479]

On the old style valves with the nut opposite the handle, should the handle be able to spin 360 degrees? I thought they only swung 90 degrees from open to closed.

[@enduringcharm]

Some valves may have a 90 degree stop but others will go full circle. Either way, if the handle is parallel to the pipe it's on.

[@guadalupeordaz827]

Great video! I Wonder how many lives you have saved?

[@bbeaum1]

constant flow of helpful information. little or no wasted time. thanks!

[@virginia9509]

Thank you so much for your video. You explained things so well and now I feel better prepared while I wait for the repairman. I hope he can fix the dryer. Thanks.

[@iceman213]

one of the best explanations I'm found so far . 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 thank you .

[@sherm624]

Can't thank you enough for this video. I am currently replacing a dryer and trying to get it out of the laundry room. The valve I have is identical to the one in your video and I was trying to close the valve but it wouldn't budge. Was smart enough not to use too much force but now I know to loosen the nut on the other side!!!

[@EthanSpence]

me too.

[@johncorliss2759]

@@EthanSpence Me Too

[@bernlitzner2739]

Add me to the list. Removing a late 70's dryer (the washer was from 1983). I will attempt on Monday after I spray the nut down with Liquid Wrench. Plus on Monday I can get a hold of someone easier if I mess up!

[@jimmysisavangone118]

Thank you so much not the same problem exactly but got my furnace shut off finally it was heating up my house even though it was off

[@askalice7222]

Wanted to thank you as well, I needed to shut off the gas to the dryer to clean the duct and was unsure of how to do it. I appreciate your help with this how-to video! 🙂🙂🙂

[@chrixal00]

Great video for people like me that don’t know anything about valves, thank you

[@jajsound]

RIGHT ON ! Thank You.....house was built in 1970's the shut off valve ears were broken beyond the point of recognizing it as a shut off valve.....Actually my wife found your video ! at 2:54 in your video I saw the Light !!!!

[@moroleongto100]

Thank you so much! Came home to my home smelling like natural gas checked the dryer line and found a leak, tightened the screw at the valve and got it fixed

[@pcolt4]

Thanks for this video. Just the information I was looking for. Moved in recently to a house with gas lines for the range and the dryer.

[@BillDubeVariety]

Wow you just saved me $400. I wish I saw this two days ago as I did weaken the handle a little by trying to turn it the wrong way. Was looking for the mysterious Super Stickers I've heard of from KZbin as I wanted to tip your for this GREAT VIDEO. Thanks.

[@enduringcharm]

Glad it helped--and I don't know how those stickers work either!

[@BillDubeVariety]

@@enduringcharm The made a claim that we now could give them, oh well thanks again. Wish the plumber that I called to "Replace" the valve had told me, good thing overpriced quote had me searching more. Yours is the first video that covers the traditional style valves.

[@tjldsl]

Saved my life...literally!

[@indriadrayton1132]

Thank you! You are a fount of information! 😁

[@Jessica-jt9dn]

Thank you so much for that informative video. I really appreciate it.

[@scottbrownjr7977]

Thanks for this video! The numerous real world examples definitely helped to paint the picture. Was switching out an appliance and was taking a break for the night and was slightly concerned the gas wasn’t off. I feel a lot better now

[@FlyingToad321]

Thank you for this excellent video. My gas valve was very tight (and didn't have a handle), your tip on loosening the nut on the other side made all the difference. Thanks so much for helping us all out!

[@joseakapolomendez6066]

Great job and thank you for this information it was very important

[@leaguefixesyourmatches8259]

Great video. This should part of every man's education.

[@crabhawk3775]

Thanks, My handle can now move either direction I was thinking that it would only turn a 1/4 turn either on or off.

[@enduringcharm]

+Crab Hawk The newer styles are often the 1/4 turn shut-off but older valves can sometimes turn either way. The important thing is to recognize when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe it is off and when parallel it is on.

[@MrAquinas1]

Some of the real old valves were a butterfly valve with a shroud around the pivot at the opposite end of the handle so they are hard to bubble test. It pays to own a sniffer tester. Moreover, if you have a real antique valve, replace it. Any plumber replacing your heating system or water heater should renew them if they are real old.

[@whoisradu]

Good advice

[@effie_ladure]

Thank you! Thank you! Was so scared to mess with the valve to my water heater when the pilot light wouldn’t work… you brought me confidence and hot water 🙏🏽

[@enduringcharm]

Glad it helped!

[@MrKelly-ll1lx]

Thanks for the video! Just helped me in a major way! Didn't know about the nut on the side! God bless!

[@mishroeder9490]

Thanks for demonstrating how to shut off/turn on a gas valve. Hope you have an excellent new year.

[@enduringcharm]

Thanks, you too!

[@islamerica3032]

What if the back nut becomes loose.....can it keep the valve from opening? My gas won't turn on in any position since I messed with it after my water heater went out and the back nut seems to be loose.

[@enduringcharm]

I suspect that you just aren't waiting long enough for the gas to get to the water heater. If you loosen the nut and turn the handle parallel with the pipe, the gas is on. There will be a procedure on the water heater tag to follow in order to relight the pilot, and sometimes you have to do that multiple times before it will start. Gas isn't under high pressure, so it can take some time to fill the pipe and start flowing at the pilot light.

[@richardlaycock7747]

Excellent survey of likely problems with a long static brass valve. I didn't notice the locked nuts holding the lever tight. That tip saved me a lot of trouble. Even loosening the lock nut the brass L on the valve bent before moving. Regrip lower, turn to Closed and all is well. Checked to see you're still churning out tips. Subscribed. Muchas gracias amigo.

[@loganbrauser3821]

Thank you! I had to loosen the nut and then beast mode it with a wrench to get it to turn. But it eventually did. I loosened the nut a little too far because I smelled gas for a moment but pushed the valve back in flush and tightened the nut. Thank you again

[@willyjilly9684]

Great video, real life saver for me!! Thanks again

[@frankelijah1]

Great tutorial......I'm trying to disconnect my Gas Dryer for replacement. It's been in place for almost 20 years! Therefore, it's hard to see where the shut off valve for the dryer is, if there is one. I'm trying NOT to have to shut off the gas to the whole house!

[@enduringcharm]

It can be difficult to see sometimes, and it is always possible that there is no shutoff at the dryer itself. Most of the time there is, though, so if you don't see one right at the flexible gas line, follow the hard line back and see if it's a few feet away. And, it's good to familiarize yourself with the main shut off just in case you need it. If you don't find a dryer shut off at all, consider having a plumber install one for you. In my area that would be a couple hundred dollars at most.

[@zacharykendrick2957]

My mainline gasline valve is fucking paint over in some strong as paint, hence why i had to google how to turn it off at the stove lol.

[@WarrenHenry]

Thanks sir YOU! just saved me $200... Plumbers... Sheez🙄

[@ryanespinoza7297]

Damn I just had my gas shutoff while new piping is laid in the alley so figured now would be a good time to go replace my range since its already off. I go to my valve in the back and it wont turn, i grab pliers and it spins 120 degrees with the opposite nut spinning. So I tighten it down and try turning it more. You might have just saved me a new valve fitting on my gas line. Edit: The valve looks exactly like the one at 3:00 too so someone beat me to it it seems lol

[@lynnmaglio6307]

Thank you so much for posting these clear directions. The gas is OFF!!!

[@martinherrera9606]

Great Information. I'm trying to disconnect my Stove for replacement. It's been in place for almost 30 years! Therefore, it's hard to see where the shut off valve is and psotion, it has so much dirt and grease accumulated, if there is one. I was so close to make a mess, but now I know what to do. Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

[@morganperez-garcia8686]

This helped a lot!

[@Ermac185]

Thanks information still helpful till this day! 💪🏾

[@JakeMueller12]

Lots of good examples. Good information. Right to the point. Thanks man!

[@onlyme8870]

Someone messed up in my place. I always has a very low gas smell for years and it took a professional to find it. The valve leaked. All he did was tighten it. Still makes me nervous. But thabkd for the tutorial. I have to self diagnose a furnace pilot that wont light now. And was running fine until the gas line to the house was replaced by the city. Now it wont light. Already replaced the thermocouple and pilot line to the valve assembly. So either the valve just started to stick closed or there a gas issue. Although the gas stove works fine.

[@lovepeace831]

Amazing video .. thanks for your kind information and tips .🙏 god bless you

[@yardwork_jordans]

If you no longer need a gas line to something like a dryer, do you need to cap the natural gas line after you turn it off?

[@enduringcharm]

calvin chu If the line will no longer be needed (permanently) then it would be a good idea to cap it off rather than rely just on the valve.

[@mannytuzman3461]

Thank you very usefulllllllll

[@jillbuchanan833]

So so so helpful. Thank you!

[@JohnSmith-nj4zq]

It'd be cool if you cut open one of those valves and show how it functions on the inside when it is turned on and off.

[@whoiwasborntobe]

thank you this was very helpful!

[@sclapsclap177]

good video. I had a missing handle/knob on the line going to my water heater. It just kept turning and turning.

[@joeymartinez1804]

Wow, thanks exactly the explanation I needed to make sure I was doing it correctly.

[@nisaac86]

Thanks a lot. I was able to turn off the gas and disconnect the stove.

[@mrspiderman125]

This is so incredibly helpful

[@sergeyshchelkunov5762]

Thank you for that info about the nuts/nuts on the back side of old style's valves. I tried to undo mine, and suspected that the nuts may play a role. So, I used no force, found your video, confirmed my suspicions... Then undid the nuts - as you say one should - and turned the valve without much problems.

[@enduringcharm]

Glad it helped!

[@xanderjames6510]

Thank You! This was extremely helpful.

[@jasminmontellano8831]

thank you for this video

[@RockerDadNYC]

What can you do if the valve, just like the first one in the video, doesn't turn at all? I've loosened the nut and it still doesn't turn.

[@enduringcharm]

Sometimes age and gumminess of the valve can cause it to stick. Loosen the opposing nut so that no threads are exposed, then tap on the end of the nut toward the pipe. I mean TAP, not whack it with a sledge hammer like a gorilla! That should help loosen the valve internally and then you can shut it off.

[@RockerDadNYC]

@@enduringcharm thank you! I will try that today

[@brookef6395]

Thank b you I just had a brain fart lol you answered quickly

[@jcb928]

Thanks for the tips

[@pleasantone2587]

This was VERY helpful. Thanks

[@tylerruthven]

i have a valve like the one shown in the ceiling - a couple of other videos recommended these types of valves be replaced with newer ones because they said they were more prone to leaking. What are your thoughts? Should I replace them even if there's no detectable leak?

[@tylerruthven]

i went ahead and turned it off - I got a little smell of gas when the nut was loose so I could turn the valve but when I tightened it up the i didn't smell anything else and I tested with bubbles and didn't see any other leak.

[@enduringcharm]

If a valve is at the end of a run then it's not that difficult to replace, so go ahead and do so if you're worried. When a valve is in the middle of a run (so that there is pipe after the valve) then it can be a real bear to replace and therefore a lot more expensive if you are having it done. Since gas pipe is screwed together it often requires dissembling a whole bunch of pipe to remove something in the middle, unless the original plumber used a union somewhere along the way. In any case, if you don't smell or detect gas, then I wouldn't worry. The pressure in gas lines is very low, so you'll typically have time to smell a gas leak before something awful happens.

[@kenstockton7793]

Very good thanks, very same valves that I have, this old house 👍

[@eriolmos9634]

Thanks so much for this video!

[@zeruknowledge]

My same nob is stucked not be able to turn off my furnace pilot light

[@catnap9974]

This was really informative. I'm glad you featured an older home. So many videos are done in a studio with brand new items. Nothing in my house is new. Two things I learned from switching gas dryers, unhooking the old one and hooking up the new one (which I couldn't have done without knowing about that nut!): I put some dish soap and water in an empty spray bottle to spritz on the connections to check for leaks. That was a mistake; it created a bit of foam as I sprayed. I ended up pouring a bit of the solution on it to avoid creating my own bubbles. Second, I obviously couldn't see the bottom of the connection at the back of the dryer, so I put a small mirror beneath it. Luckily, I noticed bubbles on the bottom of the fitting that didn't show up on the top.

[@KingKatura]

3:57 I know this is a old video but honestly we have no heat & im gunna have to change everything myself because of where i live. The gas valve to the furnace is old & similar to this one, But instead of a piece that looks like a handle its just a giant Square Nut on the back side, & a washer & tiny nut on the front side. do i twist the big huge nut i remember seeing someone having to hold one end & twist the big square along time ago?

[@enduringcharm]

My guess is that the big nut is the handle. Loosen the small nut, and use a wrench to turn the larger nut 90 degrees. Check that it is off before you go disconnecting anything permanently.

[@AaronMcMillin]

I have a valve just like that last one behind the stove in my new property. The control spins freely through multiple full turns. Is this normal? Gas should be off anytime it's perpendicular?

[@enduringcharm]

Some valves will allow a 360 degree turn. If you put the handle perpendicular and the nut on the opposite side is tight then the gas should be off. Always test to be sure, though!

[@AaronMcMillin]

That's my plan. I figure if the stove won't light we're in good shape :)

[@abcdefghij2009o]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@bestblackoutvideos]

What if the valve goes all the way to the left and all the way to the right ? On an older model valve furnace , ? , mine does ? does that mean it can be turned parallel either direction to be on ?

[@enduringcharm]

Yes, if the handle is parallel it is on, if the handle is perpendicular it is off. Presumably you have the nut on the opposite side and that should be re-tightened if you are leaving the valve in the off or on position.

[@cosmikat2003]

Useful, thank you

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

Great compilation of info!

[@superbowl32]

I turned the nut counter clockwise to loosen it and the valve turned with it 1/4 turn and is now in the off position, is this a normal thing that can happen and I can just leave it like that?

[@enduringcharm]

Probably there was enough friction on the nut you turned to bring the other side with it. If you held a wrench on both sides at the same time you could avoid this. As long as the valve indicates it is closed, though, it doesn't matter how you got there. Remember to tighten the nut back up, however, to avoid a leak.

[@xingx355]

whoever designed this valve thought it was a good idea you have to partly disassemble the air tight seal just to turn off the gas line.

[@enduringcharm]

Yeah, that's true, but remember that the gas is actually under very little pressure. You're not going to blow up your neighborhood by shutting off the valve.

[@syphtv3965]

thank man very detailed

[@BrianBell7]

just saved me a plumber charge. thanks man!!

[@elishamikel8053]

Very helpful video

[@gooey5296]

Great job!!!

[@mikerileyii]

Great video! Thanks for the info, I was unsure about loosening the nut on the back of the valve. Just needed someone to verify!

[@anyyoyo]

good info. thx

[@gumbythamanegumbythamane_g9231]

Helpful thanks

[@jallard3640]

quick question, is it SAFE to turn off the natural gas line valve to an appliance for extended period of times? i want to shut down the gas line to my stove when i dont use it, and turn the gas on only when i use it (30mins a day). Is that safe? or does doing so cause build up in the pipes and possibly explosions?

[@enduringcharm]

Well, there are two aspects to your question and I think maybe a hidden fear on your part. First, it is safe to leave a gas line valve in the off position for extended period. That is literally their purpose. Gas lines are under very low pressure, around 3 PSI or so. By way of comparison your automotive tires are typically under about 32 PSI of pressure. Leaving a gas line shut off does not build up more pressure, it just prevents movement of the gas to another area of pipe. Second, these gas shut-off valves are NOT designed to be used in a constant manner. They are meant to shut off the gas while an appliance is being replaced or while an appliance will not be installed. Your idea to turn the valve on and off daily is really not a good idea, because over time that could actually lead to a leak at the valve itself. They are just not designed for that kind of use. That said, the valves contained inside your oven ARE designed for that kind of use and they do a great job of sealing the gas supply when not being used. So unless you have a known problem with your oven or range, I would rely on those valves rather than the shut-off valve. If you do have a known problem or you smell a gas leak, then shut off your supply valve and have an appliance pro or a plumber determine where the leak is coming from.

[@jallard3640]

@@enduringcharm many many thanks for your answer!

[@whoisradu]

I had my gas valve indoor turned off for a few months while renovating. Now we’ve connected the stove and the stove won’t light. Does it take a while for gas to start flowing or must we head outside? Thanks. We have a wheel valve thingy

[@enduringcharm]

Assuming you got the valve turned back on correctly, it can indeed take a few minutes or even more for your stove to light. Natural gas isn't under a lot of pressure in your home, less than one PSI. Also, some appliances may have safety devices to prevent lighting after a shut-down, so check your manual. Generally you can connect the gas, turn the stovetop on and leave it open. Allow the igniter to spark while you wait, or hold a butane lighter flame near the burner while you wait. If you have a leak you should smell the gas long before it presents a danger.

[@whoisradu]

@@enduringcharm hi, thank you so much for the quick reply. It turns out that I did have the valve turned in the wrong direction which is odd because I was definitely keeping track and I have one of those old wheel valves and I guess I just had it in the wrong direction. The stove is lighting fine now, although it seems like when I turn on any of the burners the center valve is clicking, but maybe it’s because I’ve been without a gas stove for almost a year now, and I’ve just probably forgotten what they sound like, L O L. But thank you so so much and thank you for this video. It really helped me.

[@sneekiepete]

Could not turn that stupid valve....thanks for letting me know about the nut....I would of been at it all day... LOL

[@AaronSanne]

What is the valve is stuck and won't turn??

[@enduringcharm]

Have you loosened the opposing nut and it still won't turn? Sometimes there is plumbers putty which has dried up and hardened, preventing movement. Try tying a small cotton rag around the valve and soaking the rag with WD-40 or similar. Leave it for an hour and then give it a shot.

[@Adam-hs4de]

My old school valve is stuck in a fireplace insert. The kind where it's metal and it's inside firehouse (not external from it). There is little to no room to loosen under nut. Unfortunately the valve is in an "on" position. Is this something where I need a pro or just better tools?

[@enduringcharm]

I'm not sure I understand your question, or at least I'm having trouble picturing the problem. I gather that you have a gas valve located inside a gas fireplace. You're saying that you can't get access to the nut opposite the shut-off handle? Without seeing the problem it's hard to offer a solution. Obviously whoever installed the valve was able to get to the nut, though. Possible tools could include various wrenches, standard pliers, channel-lock pliers, needle nose pliers, and offset needle nose pliers. It may be that the but is not very tight anyway if the access is limited. Depending on how the pipe was installed it may also be possible to twist the valve itself on the pipe in order to give better access to the nut.

[@Adam-hs4de]

@@enduringcharm yeah, I'm a schmuck, I shouldn't have assumed. Crescent wrench layed flat and gave me purchase to loosen and valve released nicely, with subsequent proper tightening.

[@STLFANSS]

thank you.. where we live has an old ratty looking gas dryer that was already here and I want it out of here.. now I know how to disconnect thanks so much.

[@philliptaylor5981]

Thank you!!! We have these style valves in our old home!

[@DadaPoopoo]

What if the side with the ears is cemented in place? But the gas guy was still able to turn off the gas?

[@enduringcharm]

I'm going to guess that what you were looking at was not cement but what is called "pipe dope." This is a gooey lubricant and sealant used by plumbers on pipe fittings, but over time it can harden or dry out. At that point it may appear to be cement-like. If that 's what it is then it won't harm anything. Plumbers often gob it on thick, so there is extra outside the fitting.

[@DadaPoopoo]

@@enduringcharm Thank you for the insight. I appreciate it.

[@fabiolean]

Hey thanks for this post! I knew how to work the valves inside my house, but I wasn't sure what the city gas meter looked like. Now i can check to see if they ever really turned the gas on in my new house.

[@danielcampos2517]

Still help alot.

[@howardbiel1958]

Thank you!

[@holoxfauxfecs5651]

Thank you!!!

[@oceanswithnoend]

My man 💯

[@romp8667]

Good Job Sir"

[@weme11]

Thanks

[@PopcornChicken]

Is it OK to close the valve so no gas is coming in for prolonged periods of time? For instance, for the summer we dont use the wall heater, so can I close the valve? We usually just turn off the pilot light during the summer, but we are interested in closing the gas completely.

[@enduringcharm]

Yes, totally fine. Loosen the nut, shut the valve off, and re-tighten the nut.

[@luciferlight5082]

It it seems so unnatural and counter intuitive to undo a bolt on a high pressure gas valve

[@enduringcharm]

Actually, these are not under high pressure. Residential gas pressure is often as little as 1/4 PSI or maybe 2-3 PSI on the high end. If you've ever installed a new residential gas oven or water heater you know it can take some time for the gas to even reach the burners for the first time. By way of comparison, an NBA basketball has about 8 PSI and a typical car tire is 32 PSI.

[@luciferlight5082]

@@enduringcharm yeah,makes sense...I'm looking at changing an anode rod in a hot water heater and the system has old gas valves, not sure why the gas has to be turned off to replace a metal rod ,but ok ,I will shut the gas off and do it the safe way

[@enduringcharm]

The reason to shut the gas off in that instance is that removing the anode rod could be a violent affair! In the process you could potentially move the whole heater and cause a leak. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXbJYWR_odajms0

[@rasim81]

Hi. Can you tell me how do you shut of from street? We have a project that involve digging whole front yard. Contact National Grid and they told me to wait a year to shut my gas line from street. I don’t think my contractor and I can wait a year to complete the project . Thanks in advance!

[@enduringcharm]

You have control from the meter onward. You can shut off gas at the meter using a similar valve as shown in the video. Shutting off before that typically requires the utility to do the work. Are you moving the gas line in the yard? I'm trying to imagine what kind of project would require shutting down the gas before your meter.

[@rasim81]

enduringcharm we are adding parking garage. Pretty much we’ll go through foundation and part of the basement will be garage. Since basement ceiling is not tall enough we’ll be digging 3’ down.

[@enduringcharm]

I see--so at some point the gas pipe leading into the home must be moved and the gas shut off to move it. Different states and utility companies probably have different rules, but if your utility is telling you that appointments are a year out, that's a problem. One solution, and I'm only half joking, is to start digging (after calling the state markout hotline, of course) and then call to say you smell gas. I'll bet your appointment will be expedited. You might also call your state utility regulator and see what they can suggest. It is possible your contractor could work around the pipe for awhile, but a year is a long time.

[@rasim81]

enduringcharm Honestly at this point I would like to get rid of my natural gas connection completely. We are only using gas for stove. We have oil furnace for heat.