What is an earthquake gas shutoff valve?
It is a valve fitted on the gas line, on the house side of the meter. Inside is a mechanism that trips when the ground shakes hard enough, and it closes the gas supply. It works without power and without anyone being home. It is also called a seismic gas shutoff valve.
Why do Bay Area homes have them?
Hayward sits on the Hayward Fault, and the whole East Bay is earthquake country. After a strong quake, a broken gas line inside a building is a serious concern. An automatic valve closes the gas at the moment of shaking, whether or not anyone is there to do it.
Is one required?
Requirements differ from city to city and can apply at a sale, a remodel or new construction. Check with your city's building department for the rule at your address. Some insurers and lenders also ask about them. Many owners simply choose to have one.
Where does the valve go?
On your gas piping just after the meter. PG&E owns the meter and the main; the valve is fitted on the owner's side. It has to be mounted rigidly and level to work properly, so the piping there is braced as part of the job.
How is it installed?
We shut off the gas, fit the valve on the line after the meter, brace it, and test the piping to prove it holds. Then we relight the appliances and check each one. When the job needs a permit and inspection, we pull the permit. It is usually done in one visit.
What happens after the valve trips?
The gas stays off until the valve is reset. It should be reset only after the gas piping and appliances have been checked. We can do that check for you.
Do you do other gas work?
Yes. See gas line repair and installation, gas line upgrades and gas appliance hookup. The valve is also listed with its price on our shop page.
Who is Friendly Services?
A family-owned plumbing company with over 20 years in Hayward. License CSLB #1156315 (C-36 plumbing), $1M general liability cover and workers' comp. Our own work has a five-year workmanship warranty, and we have 100+ five-star reviews online.