How To Install A Seismic Gas Shut Off Valve

While you certainly love living here in beautiful Los Angeles and the surrounding area, you are also aware of the potential for big earthquakes. If you’ve ever experienced even a minor quake, you know how unnerving it can be for your home or business. When such an event takes place, you must do all you can to make your home or business as safe as possible. One of the best ways to do so is having a seismic gas shut-off valve installed, which should be done by experienced professionals such as those you’ll find here at Boss Plumbing.

Are Seismic Gas Shut Off Valves Easy to Install?

The answer to your question is yes, a seismic gas shut-off valve is easy to install. That is, easy for any experienced professional plumber to install. Needless to say, this is not something you want to turn into your latest weekend DIY project. By contacting us here at Boss Plumbing, you’ll get your seismic gas shut-off valve installed by a plumbing pro who is certified by the California Utilities Commission to install such items at Los Angeles homes and businesses.

Where Do You Put an Earthquake Gas Shut Off Valve?

When an earthquake gas shut-off valve is installed at your home or business, your Boss Plumbing technician will install it at your gas meter, where your gas pipes connect to the meter itself. This valve will shut down if an earthquake occurs, curtailing the gas flow that enters your home.

As for how the valve works, it has a metal ball located inside it. When the shaking begins from an earthquake, the metal ball is dislodged and falls into a passage beneath it, blocking the flow of gas. For gas to start reentering your home, you will need to reset the valve, which is an easy process. Should you have any questions about your earthquake gas shut-off valve, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Boss Plumbing.

When Can I Have an Earthquake Gas Shut Off Valve Installed?

In our opinion, the sooner the better is the best time to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve installed at your home or business here in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Due to the unpredictability of earthquakes, you never know when the next one may strike. Therefore, don’t procrastinate on getting this crucial safety device installed. By calling us today here at Boss Plumbing, you’ll get immediate peace of mind.

Are There Different Kinds of Seismic Gas Shut-Off Valves?

Yes, the two most common kinds of seismic gas shut-off valves are pressure-sensitive and motion-sensing. If you have a pressure-sensitive valve, this will use sensors to determine if gas is flowing at a pace faster than normal, which will prompt a shutdown. As for a motion-sensing valve, it will rely on the metal ball discussed earlier dislodging and blocking the gas pipe.

When trying to decide which is best, it’s important to note that both types of valves do have some difficulty detecting extremely small leaks that are very common following earthquakes. To decide which system would work best for you, discuss your needs and concerns with one of our highly-trained plumbers here at Boss Plumbing.

How Do I Reset My Seismic Gas Shut Off Valve?

When it’s time to reset your seismic gas shut-off valve, you must understand the proper steps to take. First, always follow the instructions given to you by the valve manufacturer. If you are unsure about anything, let one of our experienced Boss Plumbing experts handle it for you. Along with ensuring the valve is properly reset, our knowledgeable plumbing pro can also conduct a thorough safety check of your gas appliances before they are put back into use. By doing so, you’ll know there will be no small yet potentially lethal gas leaks once the pilot lights ignite.

Will Having a Valve Reduce My Earthquake Insurance Costs?

In most cases, you will be able to save money on your earthquake insurance by having a seismic gas shut-off valve installed at your home or business. Contact your insurance company for specific details since the amount of money you may save can vary from one insurer to another.

Now that you know time is of the essence in getting your seismic gas shut-off valve installed, contact us today here at Boss Plumbing to learn about the different types of valves and to schedule your service appointment.