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When the ground shakes, you don’t have time to run outside and manually shut off your gas. That’s why earthquake automatic shut-off valves exist—to do what you can’t do fast enough when it matters most.
These valves activate automatically when they detect earthquake motion of 5.4 magnitude or greater, instantly cutting off your natural gas supply before damaged pipes can leak dangerous gas into your home. No electricity needed. No manual intervention required.
After installation, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is protected 24/7, whether you’re home or away. Your insurance company will likely appreciate it too—many require these valves or offer discounts when they’re installed.
We’ve been serving Orangevale and the surrounding areas with professional plumbing services, earning a 4.7-star Google rating from 93+ customers who trust us with their most important home safety needs.
What sets us apart is our commitment to transparent pricing and quick response times. Many customers tell us our final cost was actually less than our original estimate—that’s because we believe in fair pricing, not surprise charges.
Our licensed contractors understand California’s strict requirements for earthquake valve installation. We know which valves meet state certification standards and how to install them properly to protect your home and family.
First, we’ll assess your current gas meter setup and determine the right valve size and type for your home. California requires specific certified valves that meet DSA standards—we only use approved models.
Next, we’ll handle any required permits and coordinate with your gas utility if service needs to be temporarily shut off during installation. The valve gets installed on your house line, downstream from the gas meter, exactly where regulations require it.
Installation typically takes a few hours, and we’ll test the system to ensure everything works properly. We’ll also show you the valve’s status indicator so you can easily see if it’s ever been triggered. After that, you’re protected—the valve will automatically activate if it detects significant earthquake motion, and you can manually reset it after a safety inspection confirms no gas leaks exist.
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Living in Northern California means earthquake risk is part of daily life. Orangevale sits in a region where seismic activity is moderate but consistent—and California experiences an average of 10,000 earthquakes each year.
Many insurance companies now require earthquake shut-off valves, especially for older homes. Even if yours doesn’t require it yet, installing one proactively can qualify you for premium discounts and gives you protection that could save your home from fire damage.
California law is strict about who can install these valves and which ones are approved. Only licensed contractors can do the work, and the valves must be certified by the state’s Division of the State Architect. We handle all the regulatory requirements so you don’t have to navigate the bureaucracy yourself.
Most earthquake valve installations in the Orangevale area cost between $450 and $1,200, depending on your specific setup and valve requirements. The price includes the certified valve, professional installation by our licensed contractors, and any necessary permits.
Factors that affect cost include your gas meter location, whether additional piping is needed, and the size of valve required for your home. We provide upfront, transparent pricing—no surprise charges or hidden fees. Many customers tell us our final bill was actually less than our original estimate because we believe in fair, honest pricing.
Requirements vary by city and county, but many California jurisdictions now mandate earthquake valves for new construction, major renovations, or home sales. Even if not legally required in your area, many insurance companies require them or offer significant discounts when they’re installed.
Given that scientists estimate a 99% chance of a magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake striking California in the next 30 years, installation is a smart safety investment regardless of legal requirements. We can help you determine what applies to your specific situation and handle any permit requirements.
Earthquake valves have a clear sight glass or indicator that shows whether the valve is open or closed. If the valve has been activated by seismic motion, you’ll see the “closed” indicator, and your gas appliances won’t function.
After any earthquake, it’s smart to check this indicator. If the valve has closed, don’t attempt to reset it yourself—California regulations require a safety inspection first to ensure no gas leaks exist. We can perform this inspection and safely reset your valve once we’ve confirmed everything is secure.
Earthquake valves respond to ground motion and automatically shut off gas when they detect seismic activity of 5.4 magnitude or greater. They don’t wait for a gas leak—they act preventively based on earthquake motion alone.
Excess flow valves, on the other hand, detect unusually high gas flow rates that indicate a broken pipe or major leak. Both types protect your home, but earthquake valves provide broader protection since they activate even if pipes haven’t started leaking yet. Many homes benefit from having both systems for comprehensive protection.
California law requires earthquake valves to be installed by licensed contractors. This isn’t just red tape—working with natural gas lines is extremely dangerous, and improper installation could cause the exact hazards you’re trying to prevent.
Licensed contractors understand proper installation procedures, state certification requirements, and safety protocols. We also handle permit requirements and utility coordination. The modest cost of professional installation is worth the safety and legal compliance you get. Plus, many insurance companies require professional installation to qualify for discounts.
Quality earthquake valves are built to last decades with minimal maintenance. Most certified valves come with warranties ranging from 10 to 30 years, and the mechanical trigger mechanisms are designed to remain reliable over time.
We recommend having your valve inspected every few years to ensure the sight glass is clear and the mechanism moves freely. After any earthquake that triggers the valve, we’ll inspect it as part of the reset process to ensure it’s still functioning properly. With proper installation and occasional inspection, these valves provide reliable protection for the life of your home.
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