Should I turn off the gas valve?

[FrugalFan]

I just turned off the pilot lights on our gas fireplaces to save energy in the summer. For some reason this makes me really nervous. Should I be turning off the main gas valves leading to the fireplaces in case there is a small leak?

[KCM5]

You could if you have access to them to make yourself feel better. We have a stove with 3 pilot lights (it is a seriously awesome stove - don't judge!) and turn off one of the pilot lights because we never use that feature. Have had no issues although I do occasionally stick my nose there to make sure I don't smell gas.

And now you've just reminded me to turn off the pilot light on our furnace. Thanks!

[Syonyk]

You can, but it's not likely to do anything.  Pilot light valves are pretty robust systems, and the gas flow to a pilot light is so low that even if one was leaking, it's very unlikely to cause a problem - you'd smell it long before it was dangerous.

[BigEasy]

I leave my gas valve on, but turn it off along with the main water valve when we travel over several days. We don't want any surprises when we get home!

"Accidents" happened to several folks we know that could have been prevented...

Big Easy

[BigEasy]

I leave my gas valve on, but turn it off along with the main water valve when we travel over several days. We don't want any surprises when we get home!

"Accidents" happened to several folks we know that could have been prevented...

Big Easy

[Pooja Sharma]

Not necessary to turn it off as it won't create any problem before you know it already.
The thing is you feel insecure OR is it already leaking?
If so get checked as soon as possible
And yeah you should always turn off your gas when everyone is getting out of home. 

[FrugalFan]

Thanks, all. We turned it off. It wasn't leaking but I just thought if there was a tiny leak we didn't know about, the pilot light would burn it off when it is lit. In any case, I feel better with the valves turned off now.