Turning gas supply off and on

Locate your gas meter – it may be in a metal box on the side of your house, or in your front garden under a plastic cover.

To turn off the gas supply into your home, turn the supply valve tap to the horizontal off position (at a right angle to the pipe). To turn it on, turn the supply valve tap to the vertical on position (in line with the pipe).

If you don't know where your gas meter or supply valve is, contact your gas provider.

Locate your LPG cylinder(s). In most cases, it will be installed on a concrete slab against or near the house.

To turn off the gas supply into your home, turn the round valve at the top of the cylinder in a clockwise direction until it won’t turn anymore. If you have more than one cylinder, make sure you turn them both off. To turn the gas supply on, turn the valve anti-clockwise.

• Make sure you read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for your gas appliances before turning them on and lighting any pilot lights.
• If a licensed gas fitter has just installed a new appliance for you, ask them to show you how to use it properly.
• If you’re using a match or lighter to light a gas appliance, light the match or lighter before turning on the gas. If the gas doesn’t light or your flame goes out, turn off the gas and wait a few minutes before trying again.
• If your appliance won’t light
  • Check your gas supply is turned on before calling a licensed gas fitter to have it checked
  • If the appliance is under warranty, call the retailer or manufacturer
  • If your gas supply won’t turn on, contact your gas supplier.
  • If the gas supply company isolated your gas supply, they’ll help you restore the gas and relight your appliances. If you’re not home when they come to help, they’ll leave a brochure to guide you through the steps for relighting appliances.
• If your gas supply has been turned off and back on again, air can get trapped in the gas pipes in your home. The first appliance you light will purge any trapped air but may take a few moments to light while the gas flows from the meter. If there is air in the pipework, the appliance you light may go out shortly after. Turn it off, wait a few minutes for the unburnt gas to disperse, then try to light the appliance again. Once it is lit, let it burn for at least three minutes so the gas is flowing properly. Gas cooktops are the easiest appliances to light first, if you have one.

If a bushfire is threatening your home, you should turn your gas supply off whether you are staying at the property or not.

Keep the area around the gas meter or LPG cylinders clear of obstructions and combustible materials.

If you have LPG gas:

• turn the cylinder(s) off and leave it where it has been installed. Ensure the cylinders are secured to a solid structure and are standing on a solid base so they will not fall over.
• ensure the safety relief valve faces away from the wall of the house and any combustible materials. During a fire, LPG cylinders may vent flaming gas from the safety valve. The safety relief valve is located on the gas valve on the opposite side to the connection or hose and may be covered by a dust cover. If you can’t locate the release valve, contact your LPG supplier.
• move any portable bottles or cylinders stored undercover well away from buildings, as they may create a hazard for people fighting the fire.
• move any cylinders attached to wooden structures, such a barbecue frame, so they are on the ground or on a solid base.
• leave LPG cylinders in an upright position, never lie them down.
• do not cover LPG cylinders with wet material to keep cool, as it may dry out, catch alight and heat the cylinder.

After a bushfire

If your home has been affected by a bushfire, don’t turn on the gas supply until a licensed gas fitter has tested your gas supply and confirmed there are no gas leaks or damage to your gas outlet, piping or gas appliances.

Fire affected LPG cylinders should be checked by your LPG supply company. Do not transport a gas cylinder that has been subjected to fire or severe heat yourself – ask your LPG supplier to collect it.