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When an earthquake hits, your automatic gas shut-off valve immediately stops gas flow to prevent fires and explosions. You won’t have to remember to manually shut off gas during the chaos of a seismic event.
Somerset experiences very high seismic activity with approximately 2,400 earthquakes per year and larger earthquakes occurring every 5-10 years. Your valve provides 24/7 protection, activating automatically during earthquakes of 5.4 magnitude or greater.
After installation, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your family and property are protected from one of the most dangerous post-earthquake hazards. The valve stays closed until you manually reset it after a safety inspection confirms no gas leaks exist.
We have over 24 years of residential and commercial plumbing experience serving Northern California. We’re a locally-owned business that understands Somerset’s unique seismic risks and building requirements.
Our customers consistently praise our responsiveness and quality work, with one noting: “Ryan was great very responsive and on time… Great service give them a call!” We arrive when promised and complete installations correctly the first time.
As a small, locally-owned business with low overhead, we keep our prices fair while offering free estimates. You’ll work directly with experienced professionals who know Somerset’s earthquake risks and local requirements.
We start with a free estimate and inspection of your gas meter setup. Your earthquake valve must be installed on your house line, never on the public gas line, and we’ll identify the exact location for optimal protection.
We handle all permit requirements, which typically range from $50-$150 depending on local regulations. Our licensed plumbers coordinate with your gas utility if service shutdown is needed during installation.
Installation typically takes a few hours. The valve uses an acceleration-sensitive mechanism with a steel ball that moves during earthquake motion, triggering immediate gas shut-off. We test the installation, provide operation instructions, and ensure you understand the manual reset process for after earthquakes.
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Most standard earthquake valve installations cost around $450, though complex installations can range from $300 to $1,200. Your investment includes the California-approved valve, professional installation, permit coordination, and post-installation testing.
We only use valves that meet ASCE 25-97 and ANSI Z21.70-1981 standards and are certified by California’s Division of the State Architect. Somerset homeowners need this protection because California experiences 10,000 earthquakes yearly, with potential for significant gas leaks during major seismic events.
Many insurance companies now require earthquake shut-off valves, and local building departments may mandate them for certain properties. We help you meet these requirements while ensuring your family’s safety during Somerset’s frequent seismic activity.
Most standard installations cost around $450 including parts and labor, though prices can range from $300 to $1,200 depending on your specific setup. Permit fees typically add $50-$150 to the total cost.
If you have multiple gas meters (like for a pool heater or ADU), you’ll need a separate valve for each active meter, which doubles the installation cost. We provide free estimates so you know exactly what to expect before we start work.
Complex installations requiring additional gas line work or difficult meter access will cost more due to extra labor. As a locally-owned business, we keep our overhead low to offer fair pricing with no hidden fees.
In some areas, earthquake shut-off valves are required by building code, and they may be necessary for your homeowners insurance. Requirements vary by location and insurance company, so we help you determine what’s needed for your specific situation.
Many insurance companies require earthquake valves, and local Departments of Building and Safety may mandate them for certain properties. Even when not legally required, they’re highly recommended given Somerset’s seismic activity.
Somerset has very high earthquake activity with approximately 2,400 quakes per year and major earthquakes every 5-10 years. Installing a valve now protects your family and may prevent insurance claim complications later.
The valve detects significant shaking motion from seismic activity and immediately shuts off gas flow to your home and all connected appliances when earthquakes reach 5.4 magnitude or greater. These valves don’t use electrical power and are designed to remain closed until manually reset.
Inside the valve, a steel ball rests on a tapered support. During earthquake motion, the ball moves from center, triggering the mechanism that closes the valve and stops gas flow. Springs help the valve close quickly, and gas pressure keeps it sealed shut.
After an earthquake, the valve stays closed until you have a safety inspection to verify no gas leaks exist, then manually reset the valve to restore gas service. This prevents dangerous gas accumulation while you assess your property for damage.
Never attempt DIY installation of earthquake valves. Mistakes could cause serious safety hazards like gas leaks, fires, or explosions. Always hire a licensed natural gas plumber for gas line work.
Any California licensed plumber can install earthquake shut-off valves, but never use a handyman simply to save money. Under California Public Utilities Commission regulations, only authorized contractors can work on natural gas systems.
Licensed plumbers maintain certifications and insurance specifically for gas-related work, including installing and repairing gas lines for appliances. We handle permits, coordinate with your gas utility, and ensure your installation meets all safety codes and regulations.
Earthquake gas shut-off valves are quick and easy to install, typically taking 2-4 hours depending on your meter setup and access. We often complete same-day service, with one customer noting we “came out same day and fixed my replaced my leaking water heater in the same day”.
Simple installations on easily accessible meters take less time, while complex setups requiring additional plumbing or permit coordination may take longer. If installation requires natural gas service shutdown, we coordinate with your utility company to minimize disruption.
Our customers consistently praise our punctuality and efficiency, with reviews noting “Ryan was great very responsive and on time” and quality work completion. We arrive when scheduled and complete installations professionally without rushing.
After your earthquake valve closes, you can follow manufacturer instructions for resetting, but we recommend contacting a qualified professional to reset the valve and perform safety checks before restoring gas service. This ensures no gas leaks exist before reactivating your system.
Following a major earthquake, it may take days or weeks before professionals can reach your location due to widespread damage and high demand. Some jurisdictions allow homeowners to reset their own valves after safety inspections, which is why many prefer earthquake-actuated valves.
Gas companies charge fees to reset valves and re-light pilot lights when valves close due to non-earthquake events. After proper reset and safety verification, your gas service returns to normal operation with all appliances and systems functioning as before the earthquake.
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