Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation and Reset
Smell gas or hear hissing? Leave the house now. Don’t switch lights on or off or use a phone inside. From outside, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 or 911.
In a strong earthquake, a broken gas pipe or appliance connection can leak and start a fire. An earthquake (seismic) gas shut-off valve closes your gas supply automatically when it senses strong shaking. Oasis Plumbers installs certified valves on the house side of your gas meter and resets valves that have tripped.
Certified seismic valves · Permit and inspection handled · Leak test on every install · 0% financing up to 48 months
How a seismic gas shut-off valve works
Inside the valve, a motion-sensitive mechanism trips when shaking reaches the valve’s set level and closes the gas line. It is installed on your house line just after the utility meter, so it shuts off gas to every appliance at once. The valve stays closed until someone resets it by hand – the gas does not come back on by itself.
Seismic valve or excess flow valve?
| Seismic (earthquake) valve | Excess flow valve (EFV) | |
|---|---|---|
| What closes it | Strong shaking | Gas flow above its rating, e.g. a broken line or a disconnected appliance |
| Where it goes | At the meter, on the house line | At the meter or at individual appliances |
| Small leaks | Doesn’t respond unless there is shaking | Doesn’t respond – only to large flows |
| Accepted by your city? | Many jurisdictions accept either to meet their requirement – we check your city’s rule | |
SoCalGas explains both devices on its earthquake and excess flow valve page.
When is an earthquake valve required?
California requires seismic gas shut-off valves to be certified by the state before they can be sold or installed. Whether you must install one depends on your city: some require a valve or an excess flow valve for new construction, additions and remodels above a set value, or when a home is sold. We confirm the rule for your address and pull the permit where one is needed.
How we install a seismic gas valve
- Inspect the meter set-up and the space on the house side of the meter.
- Size the valve to your home’s total gas load – furnace, water heater, range, dryer and fireplace.
- Get the permit if your city requires one.
- Install the valve level and in the correct direction, supported so it can’t be knocked out of position.
- Leak-test the new joints, restore gas and relight pilot lights.
- Show you how the reset works and where the reset tool is kept.
Your earthquake valve tripped: what to do
- If you smell gas or hear hissing, do not reset the valve – leave and call SoCalGas or 911.
- Look at gas appliances and their connectors for damage before restoring gas.
- Turn off the gas valve at each appliance.
- Reset the valve only by following the manufacturer’s instructions, then relight pilot lights one by one.
- Not sure it is safe? Call us – we check for leaks, reset the valve and relight the appliances.
Signs your valve needs attention
- It tripped without an earthquake – often because it was bumped or isn’t mounted level
- No gas reaches one or more appliances after a reset
- Rust or damage on the valve body
- You’re selling the home and the inspector flagged the valve
What affects the cost of an earthquake valve
- Valve size for your home’s gas load
- Meter location and the pipe work needed around it
- Permit and inspection fees where required
- Choosing an excess flow valve instead of, or in addition to, a seismic valve
You get a written price first.
Earthquake gas valve FAQs
Is an earthquake gas shut-off valve required in California?
State law sets the certification standard for these valves, and many cities require a seismic valve or an excess flow valve for new construction, larger remodels or at sale. The rule depends on your city, so we check it for your address.
What is the difference between a seismic valve and an excess flow valve?
A seismic valve closes when it senses strong shaking. An excess flow valve closes when gas flows faster than normal, such as when a line breaks. Many cities accept either one.
How do I reset an earthquake gas valve?
Only reset it if there is no gas smell and no damage to appliances. Turn off the appliance gas valves, reset the valve following the manufacturer’s instructions, then relight pilot lights. If you are unsure, call a plumber or SoCalGas.
Where is the earthquake valve installed?
On the house side of the gas meter, so it shuts off gas to all appliances at once.
Can an earthquake valve trip without an earthquake?
Yes, if it is bumped hard or was not mounted level and secure. A valve that trips by itself should be checked and remounted.
Do I need a permit to install an earthquake gas valve?
In many cities, yes. We find out what your city requires and pull the permit when one is needed.
Earthquake valve installers near you
Gas valve installs and resets are handled by our local teams. Call the office nearest your home:
Los Angeles County
- Sunland — 8348 Foothill Blvd, Sunland, CA 91040 · (805) 883-6154
- Santa Monica — 701 Pico Blvd #551, Santa Monica, CA 90405 · (310) 818-7582
- Calabasas — 24025 Park Sorrento #430, Calabasas, CA 91302 · (818) 330-1138
Orange County
- Laguna Hills — 25272 McIntyre St #558, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 · (949) 635-7337
- Anaheim — 800 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 · (714) 706-3926
Book your earthquake valve installation
Tell us your city and whether you’re selling, remodeling or simply want the protection – we’ll confirm what’s required and quote the install. Call (888) 803-7895 or use the form.