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When the ground shakes, your gas automatically shuts off. Seismic valves activate during earthquakes of 5.1 magnitude or higher, stopping gas flow before dangerous leaks can start.
You’re not scrambling to find the main shut-off during chaos. You’re not hoping someone remembers where it is. The valve does the work while you focus on what matters most-getting your family to safety.
One out of four fires after earthquakes comes from natural gas leaks. Your valve eliminates that risk automatically, giving you one less thing to worry about when disaster strikes.
We’ve earned Little Pocket residents’ trust through consistent, professional service and transparent pricing. With our 4.7-star rating from 93 Google reviews, we’ve built our reputation on showing up on time, doing the job right, and often charging less than originally estimated.
Our 24/7 emergency service means you’re covered when urgent plumbing issues can’t wait. Whether it’s earthquake valve installation or any plumbing emergency, we bring the same reliable, no-nonsense approach that Little Pocket homeowners have come to expect.
California requires that seismic automatic gas shut-off valves be certified by the state and installed by a licensed plumbing contractor-and that’s exactly what you get with Murray Plumbing.
First, we assess your current gas meter setup and determine the right valve for your home. Earthquake valves install on the downstream or homeowner’s side of the meter, connecting between your meter and house line.
We coordinate any necessary gas service shutoff with your utility company, then install your state-certified valve according to manufacturer specifications. The installation includes proper mounting and testing to ensure the valve will activate correctly during seismic activity.
Once installed, your valve monitors ground motion continuously. When it detects earthquake magnitude of 5.1 or higher, it automatically closes to stop gas flow. After any activation, you can safely reset the valve once we’ve verified your gas lines are undamaged.
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Every valve we install meets California’s strict certification requirements. Seismic valves in California must be certified by the State Architect’s Office as meeting California Standard No. 12-23-1 for earthquake-actuated systems.
Little Pocket residents often see immediate insurance benefits. Retrofits can save you as much as 25% on earthquake insurance policies from participating companies. Some insurers now require these valves before approving coverage, especially for older homes.
Quality seismic valves come with thirty-year warranties, guaranteeing decades of reliable protection. We handle all permit requirements and ensure your installation meets local building codes, giving you complete peace of mind and full compliance.
California began regulating seismic shutoff valves in 2000, with local ordinances making them mandatory for new construction in many areas. For existing homes, requirements typically apply during major renovations or when building permits are pulled.
Even if not legally required for your specific situation, insurance companies increasingly require these valves for coverage approval. Some providers won’t approve coverage until you install one, while others offer discounts for proper seismic retrofitting.
The bottom line: whether required by law or insurance, these valves provide essential protection that’s becoming the standard for responsible homeownership in earthquake-prone California.
When triggered, a metal ball dislodges and falls into the passage to block gas flow. Most valves have a visual indicator-typically a small window showing green when normal and red when activated.
You’ll also notice your gas appliances stop working if the valve has closed. Don’t assume it’s a utility outage if your neighbors have gas service but you don’t after an earthquake.
We don’t recommend trying to reset your valve yourself after seismic activity, as there’s often no way to guarantee you don’t have damage to your gas lines. It’s best to have the system checked for safety by experts before you proceed. We provide emergency inspection and reset services to get you back up and running safely.
Seismic valves trigger with detection of earthquake magnitude 5.1 or higher, responding to ground motion. They’re designed specifically for earthquake protection and activate based on seismic activity.
Excess-flow valves trigger when they detect an overpressure surge or gas leak. These respond to sudden changes in gas flow, like when a pipe breaks or gets damaged, regardless of the cause.
Many California homeowners install both types for comprehensive protection. Seismic valves handle earthquake-specific risks, while excess-flow valves protect against other types of gas line damage. Your specific needs depend on your home’s age, location, and insurance requirements.
Installation costs vary based on your specific meter setup, valve type, and any coordination needed with your gas utility. We provide upfront, transparent pricing with no surprises-customers often find final costs lower than initial estimates.
Insurance savings can be substantial, with retrofits saving up to 25% on earthquake policies from participating companies. Many homeowners recover installation costs through insurance discounts within a few years.
We offer flexible payment options to fit your budget because earthquake safety shouldn’t be delayed due to cost concerns. Call for a free assessment and exact pricing for your Little Pocket home-there’s no obligation and you’ll know exactly what to expect.
California requires that seismic automatic gas shut-off valves be installed by a licensed plumbing contractor in accordance with manufacturer instructions. DIY installation isn’t just discouraged-it’s against state law.
Working on or near gas lines can be extremely dangerous, especially if you have unseen damage to your lines. Licensed contractors have the training, tools, and insurance to handle gas line work safely.
Professional installation also ensures your valve meets all certification requirements and will actually work when you need it most. Insurance companies and building departments require licensed installation for coverage and code compliance. The peace of mind and legal protection are worth the professional installation cost.
Most seismic valves are calibrated to activate at earthquake magnitudes of 5.1 or higher. This threshold prevents false activations from minor tremors while ensuring protection during potentially damaging earthquakes.
Smaller earthquakes rarely cause the type of structural damage that leads to gas line breaks. The 5.1 threshold represents the point where seismic activity becomes strong enough to potentially damage gas piping and create safety hazards.
This calibration gives you the best of both worlds: protection when you truly need it, without unnecessary shutoffs during minor seismic activity that wouldn’t threaten your gas lines. If you experience frequent false activations, we can assess your installation and make adjustments to ensure proper operation.
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