An emergency earthquake gas shutoff valve works by automatically stopping the flow through the gas line. The valve will go into action when the ground shakes at a designated shut-off point, approximately 5.2 to 5.4 on the Richter Scale. Earthquakes are common in California, and small earthquakes don’t typically cause damage.
How do I Reset my earthquake gas valve?
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. To reset, all you need is a screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the reset slot and rotate clockwise. You should be able to see the color switch from red to green to indicate that the valve is now open. Get Your Plumbing System Inspected After an Earthquake. Even if you reset your gas shutoff ...
How to shut off the gas in an emergency?
To turn off your gas:
- Know where your natural gas meter is before there’s an emergency.
- Find the shut-off valve. TIP: Facing your meter, you’ll see a pipe running from the ground to the meter. ...
- Use a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench to turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe. ...
Where to put the gas oven shutoff valve?
With cooktops that are set into countertop openings, shutting off the gas is very easy, since the shutoff valve is usually located inside the base cabinet below the cooktop. Just locate the valve and turn it one-quarter turn so the handle is perpendicular to the gas pipe.
How to fix a shutoff valve?
How to Fix a Leaking Shutoff Valve
- Fix a leaking shutoff valve and save yourself the cost of a visit from the plumber.
- Introduction. This quick DIY fix for a leaky water shutoff valve is something even a novice can handle. ...
- Tools Required. ...
- Tighten the Packing Nut. ...
- Disassemble the Shutoff Valve
How do earthquake valves turn on gas?
0:271:25How Do I Reset My Earthquake Gas Valve? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike so and all it requires is a quarter turn clockwise. That's it let it go and that should resetMoreLike so and all it requires is a quarter turn clockwise. That's it let it go and that should reset your earthquake valve. You're going to hear a little burst of gas.
How does emergency gas shut-off valve work?
Emergency shut-off valves are vital safety units in gas applications and are installed at the inlet and outlet phases of liquid or vapour lines. They function by responding to extreme changes in pressure, flow and temperatures by shutting off flow both upstream and downstream.
What is a seismic gas shut-off valve?
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 do you turn off the gas in your house during an earthquake?
0:040:59Earthquake Preparation: Turning off Gas, Water, & Power - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply take the valve cover off. And turn the valve and a quarter turn in the clockwise. DirectionMoreSimply take the valve cover off. And turn the valve and a quarter turn in the clockwise. Direction you can use a crescent wrench or by a tool specifically.
Do I need an earthquake gas shut-off valve?
Do I need an earthquake shut-off valve? Anyone living where earthquakes occur should get one, regardless of whether the city requires it. A seismic shut-off valve will automatically cut off the flow of gas, which could prevent fires and explosions in the event of an earthquake.
Who can install a seismic gas shut-off valve?
licensed plumbing contractorIf a customer installs an excess flow gas shut-off valve or earthquake-actuated gas shut-off valve, the valve must be certified by the State of California. A licensed plumbing contractor must install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Are seismic gas shut-off valve requirements in California?
About one in four fires after an earthquake is related to natural gas leaks. The California State Architect is required to approve automatic gas shutoff valves to be installed in the State of California, pursuant to Section 19202 of the State of California Health and Safety Code.
How do you know if a gas valve is off?
When the long side of the nub or handle is parallel to the incoming gas line, it's open and the gas is flowing. When it's turned a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming pipe, it's closed.
What are the 3 types of automatic gas valves?
All of the most common types of automated valves fall into one of three main categories. They are linear, rotary, and self-actuated. There are a variety of valve types within each of these categories each having its own benefits. This training course is focused on rotary and linear actuated valves.
How do you reset a seismic valve?
1:442:38How to Reset Your Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve (Little FirefighterYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will need a larger standard screwdriver. You should see a small indent on each side of the valveMoreYou will need a larger standard screwdriver. You should see a small indent on each side of the valve next to the words reset 1/8 turn only.
How do I turn off my emergency gas?
There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe, usually located about 6 to 8 inches above the ground. Take a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench, and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe.
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.
Why should one turn off electricity supply during an earthquake?
Turning off the power to a home is crucial after a disaster because sparks from electric devices could ignite natural gas leaks. Unlike gas, turning off the electricity doesn't require any tools.
Information About Earthquake Valves
If you want to have an earthquake natural gas shut-off installed, or are required to have one by your insurance company or the local Department of...
How to Buy An Earthquake Valve
When it comes to buying an earthquake or excess-flow valve, keep the following things in mind: 1. Price: The cost of the valve is going to vary bas...
Earthquake Valve Installation Requirements
Effective February 10, 2002, California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) Decision 01-11-068 prohibits installation of an earthquake valve on SoCalG...
What is an Earthquake Shut-off Valve?
Earthquake shut-off valves are specialized valves that attach to your building’s gas meter. In the event of an emergency, these valves automatically close, cutting off gas from flowing into your line. There are two common varieties of earthquake shut-off valves:
Why Are Earthquake Shut-off Valves Important?
Trapped gas is highly flammable and poisonous. On top of triggering the gas leak itself, earthquakes also often create situations where gas can easily ignite. If earthquakes start a fire and that fire contacts gas inside your home, it could trigger an explosion.
What happens when you reset a gas valve?
In the event of an earthquake, the shaking dislodges this metal ball from its perch. It falls down into the passage beneath it and blocks gas flow. Until you reset the valve, gas can’t enter your pipes and get into your home. When you reset the valve, all you’re doing is moving the metal ball back into its original position.
What is seismic gas shut off valve?
Seismic Natural Gas Shut-off Valve: These valves trigger when they detect an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 or higher. 2. Excess-flow Valve: These valves trigger when they sense a gas leak or overpressure surge somewhere in your gas line.
What happens to gas lines after an earthquake?
After an earthquake, you simply reset the valve after checking to make sure your gas lines aren’t damaged. If the lines were damaged, the valve makes sure gas doesn’t enter your home until they’re fixed.
Where is the gas valve installed?
The valve is installed onto your gas meter where the meter connects to your home’s gas pipes. You could think of the valve as a kind of threshold between your gas supply and your home. Normally, gas passes through this threshold like it would pass through any other part of the pipe.
Do California buildings have earthquake shut off valves?
Despite the fact that earthquake shut-off valves could save your life, however, many Californians don’t know what they are . Every building that’s connected to gas in California should have an earthquake shut-off valve.
What is an earthquake shut off valve?
Earthquake shut valves are designed to activate and shut off the gas if they detect an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 or higher. horizontal shut off valve. Vertical shut off valve.
Where are earthquake shut off valves located?
They are usually located on or near the gas meter of a home.
Why is it dangerous to have a gas shut off valve installed incorrectly?
Occasionally we find a gas shut off valve installed incorrectly This a very dangerous because a valve not installed correctly will not shut off the gas in the event of an earthquake. Some valves are designed around the flow of gas going down a pipe, and some are designed for the gas flowing horizontally across a pipe.
What happens when an earthquake shuts off the gas?
The most common problem that happens with an earthquake shut valve is it being accidental triggered, often by a person or animal bumping into it. My old house had an issue with neighborhood cats using the gas meter as a step to jump the fence, shaking the valve and shutting off the gas to my house.
Where are shut off valves required?
As of this writing, shut off valves are also required in the cities of Malibu, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. Oddly, shut off valves are NOT required outside of these areas, including Santa Clarita, Burbank, Calabasas, nor anywhere in Ventura Country, such as Simi Valley or Thousand Oaks.
What caused the 1906 earthquake?
The famous earthquake that hit San Francisco is 1906 is known for the amount of destruction it caused. However, most of the destruction was caused by fires breaking out after the earthquake, and not the earthquake itself. The fires were mostly caused by damaged gas lines.
What is an earthquake shut off valve?
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. An excess-flow valve (EFV) automatically closes and restricts the flow of natural gas in the event an underground pipe is damaged ...
What to do if you have questions about earthquake and excess flow valve installation requirements?
If you have questions about earthquake and excess-flow valve installation requirements, contact your local Building and Safety Department.
How to prevent natural gas pipeline damage?
The best way to prevent damage to a natural gas pipeline due to digging is to call 811, the Underground Service Alert program, at least two working days before digging . Underground Service Alert will coordinate with SoCalGas to mark the locations of buried utility-owned lines - absolutely FREE.
How long does it take for a pilot light to relight after an earthquake?
Remember that following a major emergency it may take many days or even weeks before someone can come to your location. (SoCalGas charges a fee to reset valves and re-light pilot lights when your earthquake shut-off valve has closed due to a non-earthquake occurrence.)
Can you install an earthquake valve on a house line?
Using a contractor: You can hire a qualified professional to install the earthquake or excess-flow valve on your house line. SoCalGas will not install a valve for you.
Do you need a natural gas shut off valve for an earthquake?
Information about Earthquake Valves. If you want to have an earthquake natural gas shut-off installed, or are required to have one by your insurance company or the local Department of Building and Safety, the valve must be installed on your house line. If installation requires natural gas service closure, you'll need to contact us to shut off ...
Can earthquake valves be removed from utility curb meter vaults?
All unauthorized valve installations found on SoCalGas' facilities will be removed. In addition, earthquake valves are not permitted in utility curb meter vaults. If you have any questions about your insurance company requirements, contact your insurance company or agent.
What Is An Earthquake Shut-Off Valve?
An earthquake gas shut-off valve automatically shuts off the flow of gas supply and gas service to your home when an earthquake of a sufficient magnitude occurs in and around your home. This type of valve must be installed on your house line, never on the public gas line, and must be done by a licensed plumber such as Boss Plumbing.
Why Are Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valves Critical?
If a powerful earthquake were to hit California, it could break gas pipes, leading to a hazardous gas leak. This type of leak is hazardous inside a structure. If the gas, which is highly flammable and dangerous, gets trapped and builds up, it can become very explosive. If an earthquake starts a fire and comes in contact with gas inside a structure, that could trigger an explosion.
How To Reset Your Valves?
At Boss Plumbing, we recommend that you contact a licensed plumber to ensure that you’re following the necessary steps to reset the valve, not to mention performing a safety check of your natural gas appliances before they’re placed back online. This ensures there are no leaks when you reignite your pilot lights.
What is flow sensor?
The flow sensor is a slightly more sophisticated method which involves a sensor to determine the gas flow of a pipe. These sensors are equipped with data on just how much gas is appropriate for the location they’re serving — from a small home to a large business. If gas begins to flow at an accelerated rate, they assume a break or leak has occurred and gas service is immediately shut off.
What is the Purpose of an Earthquake Shut Off Valve?
Safety! The purpose of having a seismic earthquake shut off valve is to prevent the flow of gas from your meter into your home after a big earthquake. By having a seismic shut off valve installed in your homes gas system, you can rest assured knowing your home is prepared for both seismic activity and earthquakes.
How Does an Earthquake Shut Off Valve Work?
In the event of seismic activity or an earthquake of 5.4 or higher, your seismic earthquake shut off valve automatically closes the gas line from your meter to your home. This valve is generally installed right after your city’s gas meter before it enters your home.
When am I Required To Install a Seismic Earthquake Shut Off Valve?
Many Citys will require you to have a seismic earthquake shut off valve or excess flow valves installed when performing any work requiring a building permit or anytime someone sells a home. Most insurance companies and policies will require you to have in your home as well.
I Want to Have a Seismic Earthquake Shut Off Valve Installed, What Do I Do Next?
If you would like to make sure your home is safe in the event of an earthquake or you are being required to have an earthquake valve installed, here is what you should do before contacting us to schedule an install.
Here Is What To Expect During Your Appointment
Of course, every installation and appointment is unique. But here are a few standard things to expect in the installation of your seismic earthquake shut off valve.
What is seismic shut off valve?
Earthquake valves, or seismic shut-off valves, are used as a safety device to shut off natural gas lines in the event of an earthquake. They generally are installed on the exterior of a residence or business in order to stop gas flow when an earthquake of significant magnitude transpires.
How does seismic valve work?
The seismic valves work on a simple, consistent and accurate principle. A sensor moves when the valve is subjected to a 5.4 magnitude or larger earthquake, releasing the valve float which blocks the line and prevents gas going in to the building. The valve is then manually reset once a safety inspection has been done and you’re sure there are no ...
What is a little firefighter valve?
The Little Firefighter Automatically Shut-Off Valve is the most lightweight and compact valve sold on the market. Automatically shuts off gas when triggered by a significant seismic event. Easy 1/8 turn of coin slot for emergency manual shut-off. Valves are offered in multiple orientations (horizontal and vertical top inlet), sizes (3/4 through 4”) and pressure classes (2, 5, 10 and 60 psig max). All valves are CSA certified, approved by the State of California and are manufactured in accordance with ASCE 25-06.
What is the California regulation for shut off valves?
Some cities and counties in California have regulations that require the installation of automatic gas shut-off devices, which may include excess flow gas shut-off valves and/or seismic gas shut-off valves. Regulations vary, but generally apply to new building construction, or significant alterations or additions to existing buildings.
What is the threat of earthquakes in California?
The threat of earthquakes in the state of California is constant. When an earthquake hits, they can cause large scale damage to structures and property, including to the natural gas lines feeding these structures.
Where is the seismic shut off valve located?
Seismic Shut Off Valves are typically located on the customer side of the utility meter set. For large facilities they can also be located on branch lines or at building connections.
Who makes California earthquake valves?
The “California Valve” manufactured by Pacific Seismic Products (formerly Koso) includes the most complete line of mechanical earthquake valves on the market today. Valves are offered in multiple orientations (horizontal, vertical up, vertical, down), sizes (3/4 through 8”) and pressure classes (7 psig and 60 psig max). All valves are UL certified, approved by the State of California and are manufactured in accordance with ASCE 25-06. MBS trained team are experts in installing these types of automatic gas shut-off valves in commercial and residential buildings.
Background
How They Work
- There are several types of gas shut off valves. Most operate with an internal ball or lever that, if shaken enough, will fall into the pipe and block the flow of gas. Earthquake shut valves are designed to activate and shut off the gas if they detect an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 or higher.
Where Required
- Earthquake shut off valves are required in all 120 districts and neighborhoods within the City of Los Angeles, including such areas as Reseda, Northridge, Woodland Hills, Silver, Lake, etc. As of this writing, shut off valves are also required in the cities of Malibu, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood. Oddly, shut off valves are NOT required outside of these areas, including Santa Clarit…
Accidental Triggering
- The most common problem that happens with an earthquake shut valve is it being accidental triggered, often by a person or animal bumping into it. My old house had an issue with neighborhood cats using the gas meter as a step to jump the fence, shaking the valve and shutting off the gas to my house.
Installation Problems
- Occasionally we find a gas shut off valve installed incorrectly This a very dangerous because a valve not installed correctly will not shut off the gas in the event of an earthquake. Some valves are designed around the flow of gas going down a pipe, and some are designed for the gas flowing horizontally across a pipe. Therefore, it is important the right valve be matched with the …