Do I need an earthquake gas shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.</p></div>

Will a seismic shut-off valve save me money on earthquake insurance?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Webb, AL

Q: If my appliances have gas shut-off valves, do I still need a seismic shut-off valve?

• <div><p>Even if you invested in the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-adding-gas-shutoff-valve-built-oven.htm">cost of a gas shut-off valve for your oven</a> and other appliances, it&rsquo;s a good idea to add a seismic shut-off valve as an extra safety measure. </p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Are brick houses safer in an earthquake?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.earthquakecountry.org/step4/urmwalls/#:~:text=Houses%20built%20of%20unreinforced%20masonry,and%20the%20roof%20is%20critical.">Earthquake Country Alliance</a>&mdash;a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness&mdash;reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn&rsquo;t as stable as other building materials and methods.</p></div>

Q: How effective is earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of <b>up to 7.0 magnitude</b>, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.</p></div>

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Need a pro for your earthquake retrofitting project in Webb, AL?

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Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Webb

Helicon

11103 N 46th St

4.54(

)

Helicon

11103 N 46th St

4.54(

)

Customers say: Quick response

22 years of experience

By choosing Helicon, you will be provided with rock-solid solutions for all your soil stabilization and foundation issues. Helicon specializes in using the latest technology and the highest quality foundation repair process to repair your foundation, raise your concrete slab, and stabilize your soil or structure. We strive to exceed expectations every step of the way. Helicon is 5 Star Rated, A+ Rated BBB Company with ZERO BBB customer complaints. With our reliable, tried-and-true foundation repair process, you can rest assured that Helicon is the expert you can trust.

"We had cracks on the exterior and interior of our home and Helicon do an inspection. Casey (who is no longer with the company) provided his recommendations and a quote which is to install piers around the home and that would fix our issues. In July 2021, Helicon sent a team of guys to perform the work and they were every unprofessional. Our yard was a mess after they left, and nothing was done about it. Helicon advised us to not do any renovations until after 6 months of the repairs as the house may still be settling. In 2022, we did some minor repairs in the home and noticed the cracks were still opening and closing. They sent out someone who said everything looked fine and there was no movement. He stated if the doors start to jam to let them know because that means we have a problem. Since 2021, Helicon has come out at least 4 times and keep telling us there are no issues with the piers and additional works needs to be on the back porch. Helicon’s President, Jay Silver, came out for a house visit and advised there was nothing he could offer to help fix the issues. A couple weeks later in August 2022, they sent out another salesman, Douglas Mullins, who gave another quote to fix the interior foundation. There has been more movement and Douglas, nor Jay, or anyone from Helicon will not respond to us. We have had multiple companies come out and give recommendations which are very different from Helicon and seeking legal assistance. I do not recommend doing business with Helicon. Educate yourself on foundation issues and do not believe what they tell you."

Marcia A on September 2023

"We had cracks on the exterior and interior of our home and Helicon do an inspection. Casey (who is no longer with the company) provided his recommendations and a quote which is to install piers around the home and that would fix our issues. In July 2021, Helicon sent a team of guys to perform the work and they were every unprofessional. Our yard was a mess after they left, and nothing was done about it. Helicon advised us to not do any renovations until after 6 months of the repairs as the house may still be settling. In 2022, we did some minor repairs in the home and noticed the cracks were still opening and closing. They sent out someone who said everything looked fine and there was no movement. He stated if the doors start to jam to let them know because that means we have a problem. Since 2021, Helicon has come out at least 4 times and keep telling us there are no issues with the piers and additional works needs to be on the back porch. Helicon’s President, Jay Silver, came out for a house visit and advised there was nothing he could offer to help fix the issues. A couple weeks later in August 2022, they sent out another salesman, Douglas Mullins, who gave another quote to fix the interior foundation. There has been more movement and Douglas, nor Jay, or anyone from Helicon will not respond to us. We have had multiple companies come out and give recommendations which are very different from Helicon and seeking legal assistance. I do not recommend doing business with Helicon. Educate yourself on foundation issues and do not believe what they tell you."

Marcia A on September 2023

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

Some cities or states may require you to have an earthquake gas shut-off valve. Your insurance provider may also have requirements for installing this valve. Even if you don’t have to have one by law, it’s wise to have a natural gas plumber install one anyway. These devices can be lifesaving and prevent fires or explosions in the event of a gas leak.

According to the Earthquake Country Alliance—a public and private alliance in California that works to improve earthquake and tsunami readiness—reports that unreinforced masonry, such as stone, bricks, and hollow clay tiles, is more susceptible to earthquake damage. The mortar between bricks isn’t as stable as other building materials and methods.

A home with proper earthquake retrofitting can sustain minimal damage in earthquakes of up to 7.0 magnitude, although risks are higher based on how close and deep the earthquake is. A home closer to the earthquake epicenter will sustain greater damage, especially if the earthquake is closer to the surface of the Earth, but retrofitting can help minimize the risk of injuries.

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.

The Webb, AL homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Earthquake Damage? [2025 Data]
Discover how much it costs to repair earthquake damage. Learn about average costs, key factors, and ways to save on earthquake repairs for your home.
Mariel Loveland
•
Aug 26, 2025Aug 26, 2025
How Much Does Earthquake Valve Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
A seismic shut-off valve stops the flow of gas during an earthquake, protecting your home from fires and explosions. Here’s what your earthquake valve installation cost will look like.
Angi
•
Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
Earthquake retrofit costs vary based on home size, location, and project scope. Learn what impacts your price and how to budget for a safer, more secure home.
Stacey L. Nash
•
Jul 9, 2024Jul 9, 2024
How Long Does Earthquake Retrofitting Take?
Fear not! Steady the shakes, tame the tremors, and get earthquake-ready while we give you a better idea of how long earthquake retrofitting takes.
Mizuki Hisaka
•
Aug 26, 2024Aug 26, 2024
What Is an Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve and Do You Need One?
In a seismic event, an earthquake gas shut-off valve could stop gas leaks and save your life. Learn more about its costs, installation, and benefits.
Stacey L. Nash
•
Jul 25, 2024Jul 25, 2024
Earthquake Retrofit 101: Everything You Need to Know About Prepping a Home for a Seismic Event
If you live near a fault line, your home may need an earthquake retrofit. Find out what you need to know about the process, from costs to who you should hire.