How Much Does an Earthquake Valve Cost? [2025 Data]
Earthquake valve installation costs $450 on average, and most people pay between $350 and $1,000. Since this project involves working on gas lines, you’ll need to call a pro.
Earthquake valves can prevent fires, gas leaks, and explosions during an earthquake.
An earthquake valve is a building code requirement in areas with high seismic activity.
This job will cost more if your gas lines are inaccessible.
You should install an earthquake valve for each active gas meter on your property.
It’s dangerous to DIY work on natural gas lines, so budget to hire a pro.
If you’re in an earthquake-prone area, a seismic shut-off valve is an important safety measure. Most standard earthquake valve installations cost $450, including parts and labor. Depending on the complexity of the installation, you could spend as little as $300 or as much as $1,200.
Earthquake shut-off valves help prevent fires and explosions from your gas line during a seismic event. In some places, it’s required to meet building codes. Here is a breakdown of what you might pay to have one installed.
Earthquake Shut-Off Valve Cost Factors
Your earthquake valve cost will include the price of the valve itself plus the labor to install it. Some cities require an inspection as well, which could add extra costs.
Profession Installation
The professional labor required to install an earthquake valve ranges from $150 to $400. Complex installations, such as having a difficult-to-access gas meter, could drive up this cost. Large installations requiring multiple technicians cost up to $1,500 in labor costs.
Seismic Shut-Off Valve Cost
Most earthquake valves go for about $150 to $500, depending on the pipe’s size and pressure capacity. High-end models with a large pressure capacity can exceed $800.
Natural Gas Line Inspections
The city may require an inspection in some areas, which can cost anywhere between $40 and $150. Some cities will include this cost in their fees, while others require the homeowner to cover it. In any case, getting your valve and gas lines inspected is always a wise gas line service cost to invest in.
Number of Gas Meters
An extra gas meter will double the cost of the job. Most homes only have a single meter, but you may have a separate gas meter for a pool heater or ADU. You’ll need to install an earthquake shut-off valve for each active gas meter on your property, specifically on the line that runs to the house.
Accessibility
If your gas meter and gas lines are not easily accessible, installing an earthquake shut-off valve will cost more. The higher price accounts for the added labor.
Installing Additional Gas Lines
Some seismic gas shut-off valve installations require additional gas lines, which will increase the total cost. On average, gas line installation costs $300 to $900.
Multiple Households on a Single Gas Meter
If multiple households use a single gas meter, as is common in apartment complexes or multifamily homes, you should install an earthquake shut-off valve on each gas line running to each household from the meter. Commercial installations like this cost $750 to $3,000, depending on the number of valves required.
Benefits of Installing an Earthquake Valve
In some areas, earthquake shut-off valves are required by the building code. It may also be required by your homeowners insurance. Either way, if you live in an area that experiences earthquakes, you still may want to install a valve for safety. During an earthquake, your valve will help:
Prevent gas leaks
Reduce the risk of fires and explosions
Prevent excess damage
Protect your safety
Without an earthquake valve, you’ll have to manually shut off your gas to safeguard against damage in an emergency. The diagram below shows how the valve works to stop the flow of gas and keep your home safe.
Why You Should Hire a Pro to Install Your Seismic Shut-Off Valve
If you plan to install an earthquake valve, don’t attempt to DIY this project. If you make a mistake, it could cause a serious safety hazard—like the same kinds of gas leaks, fires, or explosions you want the valve to prevent.
Always hire a licensed natural gas plumber near you when you need work done on gas lines. If you’re looking for ways to fund the project, you may be able to get a grant from your state to retrofit a valve in an older home.
It may come as a surprise, but plumbers are oftentimes the best professionals to hire for gas-related jobs. In fact, most states require plumbers to maintain certifications and insurance in order to take on projects related to gas, including installing and repairing gas lines for appliances, like ovens, stoves, and dryers.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Certain cities with high levels of seismic activity require earthquake shut-off valves as part of the building code. This is especially common for new buildings, but even if it’s not a requirement or you have an older home, you still may want to get one. A seismic shut-off valve will automatically cut off the flow of gas, which could prevent fires and explosions in the event of an earthquake.
Even if you invested in the cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven and other appliances, it’s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure.
Gas shut-off valves for appliances are manual, meaning someone has to cut off the flow of gas. This leaves room for error, as you might not be home or might be too distracted to think about gas lines during an earthquake. An earthquake valve is automatic and will protect your home from gas-related disasters in the event of an earthquake.
Depending on where you live, your insurance company may require you to have a seismic shut-off valve. It depends on local regulations along with the specific provider. If it’s not a requirement, many providers will offer a discount if you install an earthquake valve, which can save you 5% or more. Contact your provider to learn about potential savings for your plan.
While the law varies from county to county, most do require that a gas shut-off valve be installed in any newly constructed homes or be present whenever a home is sold, or there is a transfer of title. The valve you install must be on an approved city list—these models satisfy the regulations and requirements set by your local jurisdiction.
Get our Angi-powered app
