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 Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tip of the Day Categories » Safety

Tip of the Day



Gas Shut-off Valve Test

In an emergency would you know how to turn off your home's gas? Do you know where the shut-off valve is? Does it work? A recent study has revealed, due to rust and corrosion, the main gas shut-off valve in as many as one out of every 10 homes has seized so tight that the average homeowner cannot turn it to the closed or "off" position. To test yours, locate the shut-off valve on the pipe entering your gas meter. On the left-hand side you'll find a rectangular tab about 1-1/4 inches by 3/4 of an inch. When it's parallel to the pipe, the gas is on. When it's turned crosswise the gas flow is stopped. Using a wrench, try giving it only a quarter turn (45 degrees). Gas flow will not be interrupted and you won't have to relight pilot lights. If it won't turn, call the Gas Company immediately. If it moves freely it's OK, but be sure to recheck it at least twice a year. And that's the On The House tip for today.

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