January 18, 2021

Guide to Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valves in Los Angeles

By Asher B In blog No comments

California is known for its gorgeous beaches, blue skies, warm weather, and unfortunately, its earthquakes. Yes, it is one of the states that’s the most prone to earthquakes in all of the lower 48 states. If you are a California native, then you have become somewhat used to experiencing the occasional tremor. You also know some of the precautionary steps you need to take with your home to make sure it is as safe as possible during an earthquake. That includes installing earthquake gas shut-off valves, something we are well accustomed to doing at Boss Plumbing.

It is a fact that earthquakes will continue to occur. While we cannot control them or predict them, there are preventative measures you can take to help protect your family and personal property. Having a qualified professionally installed earthquake valve on your gas meter is one of the most economical and reliable ways to be sure the gas is safely shut off in a major earthquake. We all remember the significant seismic activity that led to a large seismic event that transpired in the late 1990s. Though we have not experienced one of that magnitude since then, it has generated the necessary awareness for protective services like earthquake valves.

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.

Earthquake gas shut-off valves are specifically designed to react to major seismic earthquakes that measure 5.4 or higher on the Richter scale. This device helps prevent not only the devastating aftermath of an earthquake itself, but also the broken pipes, leaking gas, and damaged service lines that often occur in the immediate wake of a major seismic event. Utility companies recommend that after the shaking of an earthquake to immediately shut off the gas but some people may not be able to do this if they are at work or simply away from home. A gas shut-off valve takes care of this automatically.

How Do Earthquake Shut-Off Valves Work?

Earthquake gas shut-off valves are installed on the gas meter of a home or business. When it detects the kind of major shaking that accompanies a significant earthquake, it will automatically cut off gas service to the property if an accumulation of gas enters the building or if a pressure surge occurs downstream of the valve. These valves should be installed on every active gas meter and should typically be done by a well-qualified Boss Plumbing contractor who will ensure proper installation and function.

When Is The Right Time To Install An Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve?

The answer to this question is simple: as soon as possible! Earthquake gas shut-off valves are quick and easy to install. All you have to do is contact a reputable plumber such as Boss Plumbing. We are certified and experienced in installing this type of equipment under the California Utilities Commission. We’ll be able to install your shut-off valve correctly so that it will perform its job.

Our skilled service technicians will decide what earthquake gas shut-off valve is best for you and your property. There are two kinds of earthquake shut-off valves on the market; typically the option will consist of a pressure-sensitive valve that kicks in due to the excessive gas flow or a motion-sensitive valve that employs a motion-sensing ball detecting movement in a pipe, likely to be caused by an earthquake. Both of these valves are effective methods of shutting down natural gas flow in the event of an earthquake.

Motion-Sensing Shutoff Valves

The motion-sensing valve works by seating a metal ball bearing above the pipe, suspended on a small rubber or metal ring. In the event the pipe is shaken, the ball dislodges itself and falls into the pipe, essentially cutting off gas flow If it happens to block off the gas then you will need to have the pipes inspected by a professional Boss plumbing contractor to ensure there is no breakage prior to having the ball bearing fished out and the gas flow re-initiated.

Flow Sensing Shutoff Valves

This excess flow valve sensor is a slightly more sophisticated method that 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.

These setups do have one flaw, however: they often fail to detect very small leaks, which are equally common after earthquakes, and equally lethal once enough gas has leaked into the structure. The differences between these two types of earthquake shut-off valve installations, and what they mean for your building, are why it’s always important to contact a qualified Boss Plumbing service technician to help you make the decision and perform a sound installation.

How To Reset Your Valves?

Suppose an earthquake or another significant event causes your earthquake shut-off or excess-flow valve to close. In that case, you can follow the valve manufacturer’s instructions regarding resetting the valve for natural gas to flow again. 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.

Don’t forget that following an earthquake or another emergency situation, it may take days or even weeks before a professional can reach you.

Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation

Earthquake gas shut-off valves are fairly simple to install onto your gas meter, right at the point where the meter connects to your home’s gas pipes. In the case of an emergency such as an earthquake, the earthquake shut-off valve closes, restricting gas flow into your home.

Located inside the valve is a metal ball suspended on a ring above the passage where the gas travels though. During an earthquake, the shaking will dislodge this metal ball from its perch. It will fall down into the passage which lies below it and blocks the gas flow. Until you reset the valve, gas cannot enter the pipes in your home. When you reset the valve, what you’re only doing moves the metal ball back into its original position.

If you need earthquake shut-off valves installed or need help resetting your gas valves, do not hesitate. Contact Boss Plumbing today for gas valve services. We’ll be more than happy to come out and install this critical safety device. It often saves lives and can prevent critical earthquake damage following a seismic event.

We look forward to doing business with you!