PLUMBING – Earthquake Valves

The world has been rocked by a number of significant earth quakes in the past decade, which have only increased public awareness to the need for protective services like earthquake valves.

These valves are specifically designed to react to major seismic events in major earthquake zones and prevent the kind of devastating damage that comes not from the earthquake itself, but from the broken pipes, damaged service lines, and leaking gas.

Earthquake Valves are emergency shut-off gas valves that are located on the gas arm side owned by the home or business owner. There meant to shut off natural gas lines in the event of an earthquake. As the valve detects major shaking from an earthquake, normally between 5.2 to 5.4 on the Richter Scale, it automatically cuts off gas to the home or business.

The seismic motion valve works by employing a motion-sensing ball that sits on a small ring above an opening, and detects movement on the pipe. On a normal day the ball doesn’t move and the gas line remains active, but as significant shaking occurs, the movement on the pipe will cause the ball to fall off the ring and into an orifice shutting off gas flow.

Motion sensitive valves are normally installed on the gas line before it enters your home or business and should be installed by a well-qualified contractor who will ensure proper installation and function.

An excess flow shut-off valve is a non-motion sensitive device that automatically shuts-off gas to a specific appliance when it senses a sudden over-surge or increase of gas flow, that occurs from a break in the pipe. The valve is installed at the gas fuel appliance outlet, between the shutoff valve and the connector.

If you believe you have an emergency, at the minimum you should know how to turn off the gas to your home or business. This can be accomplished by locating the shut-off valve that normally runs vertical with the pipe on the gas company side of the meter

Take an adjustable wrench, 12” or larger, and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction until the valve is crisscross with the pipe; repeat the process to turn the meter back on.

Because there are differences between earthquake valves and what they mean for your home or Business, it’s always a good idea to have an experienced plumber help you make the right decision. Contact our expert plumbers at Quick-Flo Plumbers & Rooter, and be at ease knowing your making the right decision.