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When the ground starts shaking, you won’t have time to think about your gas lines. That’s exactly when you need protection most.
An earthquake automatic shut-off valve does what you can’t do in those critical moments—it instantly cuts off your gas supply when seismic activity reaches 5.4 magnitude or higher. No more worrying about gas leaks turning a natural disaster into something far worse.
Your family gets the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home has professional-grade protection. Many insurance companies even offer discounts when these valves are properly installed, and you’ll meet local building code requirements that protect your community.
We’ve earned a 4.7-star rating from 93 customers who know what reliable service looks like. We’re licensed, insured, and bonded—which means you’re protected every step of the way.
Living in Camino puts you in California’s earthquake country, where seismic preparedness isn’t just smart—it’s essential. We understand the local geology and building requirements that make earthquake shut-off valves critical safety equipment, not optional add-ons.
Our transparent pricing means no surprises, and our 24/7 emergency service means we’re here when urgent plumbing issues can’t wait. That’s the kind of reliability Camino homeowners have counted on, and it’s what you can expect when you call us.
We start with a site assessment to determine the best location for your earthquake valve, typically near your gas meter on the customer side of the line. This isn’t guesswork—proper placement is critical for both effectiveness and code compliance.
Next, we temporarily shut off your gas service and install the valve using manufacturer-approved components and stabilizer brackets. The valve contains a precision-engineered ball mechanism that responds to seismic motion, automatically closing when earthquake activity reaches the trigger threshold.
After installation, we test the system and restore your gas service, then walk you through how the valve works and what to expect after an earthquake. You’ll know exactly how to safely reset the valve once a post-earthquake inspection confirms no gas leaks exist. The entire process typically takes a few hours, and you’re protected for decades with proper installation.
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Your earthquake shut-off valve installation includes the valve itself, stabilizer brackets, all necessary fittings and connections, and professional labor by licensed contractors. We handle any required permits and ensure the installation meets California Referenced Standard 12-16-1 requirements.
In Camino’s seismic environment, where the San Andreas Fault system creates ongoing earthquake risk, these valves provide automatic protection when you need it most. The California Earthquake Authority estimates that major earthquakes along fault systems could result in significant gas leaks—exactly what these valves prevent.
We use only state-approved valves with 30-year warranties, manufactured to exacting standards and tested by the California Division of State Architect. After installation, you’ll have a system that automatically protects your property and gives you the option to reset service yourself after earthquakes, rather than waiting days or weeks for professional help during emergency situations.
Installation costs typically range from $600 to $1,200, depending on your specific gas meter setup and valve size requirements. This includes the valve, stabilizer brackets, all fittings, professional installation by licensed contractors, and any required permits.
The price varies based on factors like accessibility of your gas meter, whether additional gas line work is needed, and the specific valve model that meets your local building department requirements. We provide upfront, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, so you know exactly what you’re paying before work begins.
Many homeowners find that insurance discounts and the long-term protection value make this a cost-effective investment, especially considering the potential for hundreds of thousands in damage from post-earthquake gas fires.
California building codes require earthquake shut-off valves in many situations, particularly for new construction, major renovations, and property transfers. In the Sacramento area, including Camino, many municipalities have adopted requirements for these safety devices due to the region’s earthquake risk.
Requirements often depend on when your home was built, whether you’re doing major work, and local ordinances. Some insurance companies also require these valves for coverage, and they’re frequently mandated during home sales to meet safety standards.
The specific requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so we help determine what applies to your situation. Even if not legally required, many Camino homeowners choose installation for the safety benefits and insurance advantages these valves provide.
When your earthquake valve triggers, it automatically stops all gas flow to your home, shutting down appliances like your water heater, furnace, and stove. This is exactly what you want—it prevents potentially dangerous gas leaks from damaged pipes or connections.
After the earthquake, you’ll need to have your gas lines inspected for damage before resetting the valve. Many homeowners can perform this reset themselves following manufacturer instructions, though we recommend professional inspection to ensure no leaks exist, especially after significant seismic events.
Once reset, you’ll need to relight pilot lights on appliances like water heaters and furnaces. If you’re not comfortable with this process or detect any gas odors, call us immediately for professional assistance and safety verification.
Most earthquake shut-off valves include a sight glass or indicator that shows whether the valve is open or closed. In normal operation, you should see the “open” position, allowing gas to flow to your appliances normally.
The valve should not trigger from normal vibrations like heavy trucks, construction, or minor earthquakes below the 5.4 magnitude threshold. If your valve trips frequently from non-earthquake causes, this indicates a problem that needs professional attention—either the valve needs adjustment or there may be excessive vibration issues.
We recommend annual visual inspections to ensure the valve mechanism moves freely and the sight glass is clean and visible. If you notice any corrosion, damage, or if the valve has triggered without an earthquake, contact us for professional evaluation and service.
California law requires that earthquake shut-off valves be installed by contractors licensed in the appropriate classification, and we strongly recommend against DIY installation. Working with gas lines requires specialized knowledge, proper tools, and understanding of safety protocols that protect you and your neighbors.
Improper installation can create serious safety hazards including gas leaks, fires, or explosions—the very dangers these valves are designed to prevent. Additionally, incorrectly installed valves may be removed by your gas company or local building authority, wasting your investment.
Professional installation ensures the valve meets manufacturer specifications, local building codes, and safety standards. We handle the permits, testing, and warranty registration, giving you confidence that your earthquake protection will work when you need it most.
Quality earthquake shut-off valves installed by professional contractors typically last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Most manufacturers provide 30-year warranties that cover defects and proper operation over the valve’s lifespan.
The valves are designed to withstand California’s weather conditions and remain reliable through decades of minor ground movements and vibrations. They contain precision-engineered components that don’t require regular servicing, though annual visual inspections help ensure continued proper operation.
Because these valves use mechanical rather than electrical operation, they don’t have batteries to replace or electronic components that can fail. Once properly installed, they provide reliable automatic protection throughout their service life, making them an excellent long-term investment in your family’s safety and property protection.
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