Parts of a Hurricane Shut-Off Seal

Use of Seals

• Government agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local utilities offer some guidelines for these shut-off seals. Their preparedness suggestions include locating the seals or valves and ensuring easy access, whether inside the home or outside. They suggest testing water shut-off valves, but warn against actually turning the gas off or on unless it is actually necessary.

Water Shut-Off Seals

• Water shut-off seals are located near the water main's entry to your home as part of the piping system. These seals differ according to make and model, but the critical parts are one or more internal pilot valves that, when activated, completely block off the pipe, preventing water from traveling into or out of your house. These internal valves are equipped with stoppers that prevent them from reopening automatically once they are closed. The seals also have a manual reset valve that allows you to reopen the line once the emergency has passed. The main housing is made of durable metal, akin to a pipe connector fitting.

Gas Shut-Off Seals

• Gas shut-off seals also operate on the principle of something fully blocking the pipe, as with a water seal. In the case of cast-steel seals, the shut-off part is often a carbon steel disc with stainless steel trim. The disc is located on a pivoting arm that allows it to swing shut in the event of emergency. A lever-and-spring attachment on the outside of the seal controls the internal arm, providing the ability to manually open or close the seal. Utilities and government agencies recommend the seal be reopened only by trained utility crews.

Manual Versus Automatic

• Some shut-off seals for both water and gas are manual, while others are automatic. In the event your home is equipped with manual seals, have appropriate tools handy, such as a pipe or crescent wrench to help you lever the seal closed. These seals will usually have an outer arm or lever that is turned to shut the valve. An automatic seal reacts to either water pressure or excess gas flow, and will usually have a reset switch rather than a manual arm. Know which type of seal or seals your home is equipped with, and the right way to operate them, particularly if you have both types.