An earthquake valve, also known as a seismic shut off valve, shuts off the gas flow to your home during seismic activity to avoid bursting a gas line and causing damage or an explosion. This addition can be invaluable to your home as it reduces risks and adds an extra layer of protection and safety during an earthquake.
We’ll help you understand the function of an earthquake valve, how it works, and why you need one if you live in an area prone to earthquakes.
What Is an Earthquake Valve?
Earthquakes are a common natural disaster in the US, with 12,000-14,000 earthquakes yearly in the US alone. Some are inconsequential, barely disrupting your daily routine, while others can be hazardous.
One of the most significant risks to a home is a burst gas line, which can cause an explosion. This can be caused by a house fire, structural damage, or even injury, prompting the need for a device that can shut off the gas flow to the home in the event of an earthquake.
Shutting off the gas valve is the primary function of an earthquake valve to reduce the risk of a burst gas line causing property damage or an explosion.
Earthquake valves trigger when there’s an earthquake roughly above 5.0 on the Richter scale when the gas lines in a home are at risk of being damaged.
Excess flow valves work alongside earthquake valves, activating when there is a gas leak or pressure surge somewhere in the gas line and creating a veritable safety system for your home.
How Do Earthquake Valves Work?
Earthquake valves operate on a simple principle: when the valve detects shaking, it shuts off.
A metal ball bearing is in the gas pipe above the main line that feeds gas into your home. When the tube begins to experience earthquake conditions above 5.1, the ball will dislodge from its suspension ring and block gas from entering the main line.
A sensor rests under the valve and impulse line in other systems. When earthquake conditions occur, the sensor will shut off the gas flow if the pressure exceeds a certain threshold.
The diaphragm lifts when the pressure rises, pushing on a spring that releases the valve latch and shuts the gas line.
In an excess-flow valve, the valve detects pressure and leaks with a flow sensor. The sensor is integrated into the valve and can determine the rate that the natural gas is flowing and clamps the valve if there is too much pressure.
An earthquake shut-off valve and an excess-flow valve can prevent you from dangerous gas leaks caused by earthquake damages and allow the system to detect other causes of leaks and shut themselves off in response.
How to Tell If You Have an Earthquake Valve
It’s pretty easy to determine whether or not your home has had a gas shut off valve installation done. If you’ve had an earthquake valve installed, you can often tell by the bright red indicator on the valve directly above or along your main line.
In many places prone to earthquakes, earthquake shut-off valves are required by law. If you are unable to locate your valve and live in a place where it is necessary, be sure to seek out an earthquake safety valve technician.
If you need one installed, the average cost is $600 for the valve ($400 for labor and $200 for parts.) Should you require the entire gas line replaced, you’re looking at an average cost of $6 per linear foot, totaling over $2500 for a complete gas line replacement.
Why Do You Need an Earthquake Valve?
The value of an earthquake valve is apparent: stopping gas flow from entering your home.
Aside from its obvious function, an earthquake valve also offers a chance to save money and automate the process so that you don’t have to worry about manually shutting off your gas line.
Property Protection
Strong earthquakes can quickly break gas lines, causing dangerous leaks, especially indoors. Gas is poisonous to breathe and when leaked, it can create hazardous conditions in your home.
Earthquakes can also create conditions that ignite the gas, causing an explosion. For example, if an earthquake damages wiring in your home, electrical sparks could ignite the gas and create an explosion.
In conjunction with collapsing structures, fires pose the greatest threat to life and are responsible for much of the occurring damage.
Ruptured gas lines can also spark fires across the affected area, creating a demanding and dangerous situation for firefighters.
Saving Money
Installing an earthquake valve can save you thousands of dollars if you forget to manually turn off your gas line before evacuating from a hurricane.
The installation is relatively inexpensive, but the security of it all is well worth the expense. It’s certainly much better to pay a little out-of-pocket to protect the investment of your in-home assets.
Automatic Process
When an earthquake hits your area, turning off your gas line probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. When danger strikes, it can be easy to forget this simple yet essential safety measure as you begin to evacuate.
Alternatively, if you happen to be away from home at the time, you can have peace of mind that the valve will take care of the problem for you. This security measure alone makes an earthquake shut-off valve all the more valuable to homeowners.
In the event of an earthquake, you can never be too prepared. If you need to evacuate your home in the event of an impending quake, remember to manually turn off your gas line just in case the shakes are a high enough magnitude to trigger the valve.
After an earthquake, be sure to inspect your gas lines for any damages before resetting the main line.
The Bottom Line
Earthquake valves shut off the flow of gas when earthquake conditions are detected. They use sensors that regulate pressure through a metal ball that falls out of its suspension, blocking gas lines and keeping you and your family safe from the risk of a gas leak.
