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>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Rutherfordton, NC

Q: Besides grounding outlets, how else can I protect my home?

• <div><p>Grounding is a great first step to prevent electrical shock, but you can take it further with GFCI outlets and AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). In particular, AFCIs help protect against the type of electrical arcs that cause fires, like if a mouse chews on a wire or your laptop starts overheating at the wall. These are required in some areas of your home.</p></div>

Q: Why do I need earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.</p><p>You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.</p></div>

Q: How do I prevent future damage?

• <div><p>Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.</p></div>

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>

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Total Construction by Dale Lands LLC..

13376 US Hwy 70 Business West

2.00(

)

Total Construction by Dale Lands LLC..

13376 US Hwy 70 Business West

2.00(

)

37 years of experience

We are a full service General Contractor but we also offer many small services to help you with any needs. We do all kinds of new construction from residential to commercial and also offer many maintenance choices from your yard to your roof.

"Communication was great. The house is tall and on a hill. We talked to 3 different companies about doing the work. One company chose not to do it because the house is tall and sits on a hill. Of the other two companies, Total Construction had the best estimate and the people were so nice. I'm so glad they came out to do the work. Each day they cleaned up behind themselves and made it easy for my family to live in the home even though the work was being done. Everything looks so nice now. I know some of my neighbors will be using this company now because they loved watching the work & the outcome!! Great Company!!! Highly recommended!!"

Melynda S on March 2022

"Communication was great. The house is tall and on a hill. We talked to 3 different companies about doing the work. One company chose not to do it because the house is tall and sits on a hill. Of the other two companies, Total Construction had the best estimate and the people were so nice. I'm so glad they came out to do the work. Each day they cleaned up behind themselves and made it easy for my family to live in the home even though the work was being done. Everything looks so nice now. I know some of my neighbors will be using this company now because they loved watching the work & the outcome!! Great Company!!! Highly recommended!!"

Melynda S on March 2022

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Grounding is a great first step to prevent electrical shock, but you can take it further with GFCI outlets and AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters). In particular, AFCIs help protect against the type of electrical arcs that cause fires, like if a mouse chews on a wire or your laptop starts overheating at the wall. These are required in some areas of your home.

An earthquake retrofit is essential for safety in an earthquake-prone area. Without proper retrofitting, your home is at risk of sliding off the foundation, shifting, or collapsing.

You may also require a retrofit if your home was built before 1980 when building codes began requiring reinforcing, bracing, and bolting for new construction. You may not be eligible for insurance to help pay for earthquake-related damages without a retrofit.

Ensure proper ventilation, fix leaks, and schedule regular pest inspections to protect your property.

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.

The Rutherfordton, NC 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
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Aug 15, 2025Aug 15, 2025
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How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
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How Long Does Earthquake Retrofitting Take?
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Jul 25, 2024Jul 25, 2024
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Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Who Should I Hire for Earthquake Retrofitting?
If you live in an older home in an area prone to seismic activity, you likely need to hire a seismic retrofitting company to protect your home from earthquakes.