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.

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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: 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: 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: Can I DIY an earthquake retrofit?

• <div><p>It is not advisable to try to retrofit your home without the expertise of a professional. These projects usually require a consultation with a structural engineer and a plumber for any gas-related adjustments. Working with a professional earthquake retrofitting contractor is the best way to ensure that any structural work done to your home will help protect you and your family. </p></div>

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EP!K Home Remodeling & HVAC

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EP!K Home Remodeling & HVAC

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Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Home remodeling Vapor barriers Home remedies Handyman HVAC Electrical Plumbing And so much more.

"I am so thankful to have found Roland!!! He has done several jobs for me at rental properties and now he is my go to person for all HVAC and home repairs/maintenance!! He is reliable, trustworthy, dependable & honest. If he says he will be there & he can do it, he will! For 6 of my units, I had made a small list of items that I knew needed fixing. I asked Roland to check everything & he took pictures & sent me a list of additional items. He did not try to upsell me, he was honest & I greatly appreciated everthing. He sent before & after pictures. I felt like he was treating my home like he would his own. In today's world it is hard to find good honest people/workers, Roland is one!"

Wendy B on July 2024

Home remodeling Vapor barriers Home remedies Handyman HVAC Electrical Plumbing And so much more.

"I am so thankful to have found Roland!!! He has done several jobs for me at rental properties and now he is my go to person for all HVAC and home repairs/maintenance!! He is reliable, trustworthy, dependable & honest. If he says he will be there & he can do it, he will! For 6 of my units, I had made a small list of items that I knew needed fixing. I asked Roland to check everything & he took pictures & sent me a list of additional items. He did not try to upsell me, he was honest & I greatly appreciated everthing. He sent before & after pictures. I felt like he was treating my home like he would his own. In today's world it is hard to find good honest people/workers, Roland is one!"

Wendy B on July 2024

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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

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.

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.

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.

It is not advisable to try to retrofit your home without the expertise of a professional. These projects usually require a consultation with a structural engineer and a plumber for any gas-related adjustments. Working with a professional earthquake retrofitting contractor is the best way to ensure that any structural work done to your home will help protect you and your family.

The Williamston, NC homeowners’ guide to earthquake retrofitting services

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

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