What is seismic shut off valve?
Report a Gas Leak Earthquake natural gas shut-off valve (also known as a seismic natural gas shut-off valve) automatically shuts off your natural gas service when an earthquake of a sufficient magnitude occurs at your home.
How does a seismic valve work?
Seismic valves are triggered by the ground shaking caused by earthquakes. When shaking reaches the level of the valve’s designated shut-off point (generally around 5.2-5.4 on the Richter Scale), the valve will automatically stop the flow of gas into your house.
How much is a seismic shut off valve?
Prices generally range between $250 and $750, including parts and labor. If you’re in an earthquake-prone area, a seismic shut-off valve is an important safety measure to prevent fires and explosions from your gas line during a seismic event.
Should I install an earthquake shut off valve?
Installing an earthquake shut-off valve could save your life and can guard your home against earthquake damage. The risk of a natural gas leak is why it is essential that you have an automatic earthquake shut-off valve installed at your home or business.
Who can install a seismic shut off valve?
plumbing contractor
If a customer installs an automatic gas shut-off valve, it should be one that is certified by the State of California and it should be installed by a licensed plumbing contractor in accordance to the manufacturers instructions.
What is a seismic gas valve?
Seismic valves are designed to shut off the flow of gas during an earthquake. They can be used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Once the valve has shut-off, a simple manual reset is required with no other maintenance.
How much does it cost to install a gas shut off valve?
Installation of a gas shut-off valve costs between $300 and $500. Depending on the pipe size, the valves cost between $100 and $300. You’ll pay an additional $150 to $200 for labor and other supplies.
How can you tell if a earthquake valve is tripped?
Your seismic valve is located on the outside of your home, downstream of your gas utility meter. When you inspect your shutoff valve, you will see a color on top that indicates whether gas is still flowing or not. Red indicates that the gas is shut off. Green means that your gas line is open.
Why do you need an earthquake shutoff valve?
Fires
Do I need an earthquake gas shut off valve?
The answer is a simple Yes. In the event of a seismic earthquake of 5.1 or higher, earthquake shut-off valves will close the gas line even when you are not home. They can save your home from fires and damages when resources are most strained during an earthquake. Not to mention, valves are very soon to be a required update on all homes.
How do you shut off a gas valve?
To turn off the gas, rotate the valve one-quarter turn in either direction. The valve is closed when the tang (the part on which the wrench is placed) is crosswise to the pipe. Most gas appliances have a gas shut-off valve located near the appliance that lets you turn off only the gas to that appliance.
What is an earthquake shut off valve?
Excess-Flow Valve: The earthquake shut-off valve will shut off your natural gas service when a significant leak or overpressure surge occurs at a pipe, or where an appliance is located beyond the location of the valve installation.