How does a seismic gas shutoff 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 do you reset a little firefighter earthquake valve?
To reset valve: Close wrench-operated meter inlet valve. After waiting five minutes, reset the valve by turning the “reset” shaft with a screwdriver 1/8 turn (45°) in the direction indicated. The slot on the reset shaft should spring back to its original, vertical, position when the screwdriver is removed.
What is seismic gas?
“Seismic gas shutoff device” means a device installed on customer-owned gas piping which automatically shuts off gas service when an earthquake of 5.4+ magnitude or greater occurs at the valve’s location. About one in four fires after an earthquake is related to natural gas leaks.
How much does it cost to install a seismic gas shut off valve?
The price to install the excess flow valves, aka seismic gas valves, can be $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on site conditions and the ease to access the main gas line.
What is a seismic gas shut off 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.
Can I turn my gas valve back on?
Once the valve is turned off, do not turn it back on by yourself. It must be turned on by a gas company technician. The gas company will likely perform a pressure test on the system and relight all pilot lights in the house as part of turning the gas back on.
Where is the safest place to go during an earthquake?
COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
How much does it cost to install a gas 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.
Do all gas appliances need a shut off valve?
Most gas appliances have a gas shutoff valve located near the appliance that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only. In some cases, turning off the gas at the appliance’s shutoff valve will suffice if there is a gas leak or the appliance needs to be replaced or serviced.
