Are seismic gas shut-off valves required in California?

• <div><p>Almost all new buildings in California need an earthquake shut-off valve. The requirements for an earthquake gas shut-off valve (and who can install it) depend on where you live. For example, according to the <a href="https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/los_angeles/latest/lamc/0-0-0-186081">Los Angeles Municipal Code</a>, you’re required to hire a licensed contractor to install one whenever you build, sell, or renovate a home. Check with your local building department for your city’s laws on installing, permitting, and inspecting earthquake shut-off valves.</p></div>

What can cause vibrations in a house?

• <div><p>Hearing or feeling vibrations in your house can be unsettling, but there are a few <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/i-hear-vibrating-motor-sound-my-walls-night-it-my-pipes-or-it-related-air-vents-or-furnace">possible causes for a vibrating noise in your wall</a> or floor. Light bulbs and fixtures, circuit breakers, loose pipes, or faulty wiring could all cause vibrations. If you’re not sure what’s causing the vibrations, you can call a contractor to assess your home and narrow down the cause.</p></div>

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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: Can I stay in my home during earthquake retrofitting?

• <div><p>Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Earthquake Retrofitting pros in Richardton, ND

*The Angi rating for Earthquake Retrofitting companies in Richardton, ND is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Earthquake Retrofitting needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Earthquake Retrofitting companies in Richardton, ND is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Earthquake Retrofitting needs.

Last update on December 24, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Kris did a great job, he was very efficient and got the work done in a timely matter. He answered all my questions and concerns. Kris is a very pleasant young man. I'd recomend him to any one.
Your Home Improvement Company, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
I have used them for multiple jobs on multiple locations, they are amazing. They show up on time they get things right and I don’t have to call them back. I’ve had experience with other plumbers that I have to call back and they don’t respond. This one does it right the first time
DRAIN WIZARDS LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
Brad did a great job hanging 4 large TV’s for me!
All Service's Handyman LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
We recommend highly! Clear understanding of options, our final choices, and our place in their schedule of jobs. Wonderful crew was able to remove and replace shingles in one day. Our other job included replacing 4 windows and 2 glass patio doors. The 2-man team of Will and Mitch was...
Western Products
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Reviewed in October 2023
Very personable and congenial. Does good work at a fair price.
Ace Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2023
He did a very cheap price and did it very well. The
Vu Nguyen's Landscaping
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Reviewed in July 2022
Bath Planet and Your Home Improvement Co. came out to do our tub to shower conversions. The workmanship, install, and value over all was great! Our installer was excellent and very clean. Thank you Brady for coming out to remind us of our warranty and checking out our kitchen.
Your Home Improvement Company
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Reviewed in June 2022
Ramon, Johnny and Tyrus did a very good job installing drain tile and sump pump in our basement. They were very friendly and communicated very well throughout the project. They left the worksite very clean when they left. Would not hesitate to use them again.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in January 2022
Daryl, Johnny and the rest of the crew were great. Arrived on time every morning and when they finished for the day the work site was cleaned. They even skimmed to pool to make sure there was no debris . The project took 3 1/2 days and we couldn't be happier.
In Ex Designs, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
They did an excellent job and aera was cleaned up after the job was completed.
American Waterworks
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Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

Generally, the retrofitting process can take two to four weeks. Your contractor will let you know if staying in your home for the entire project is feasible. However, most people are able to remain at home. If your home is undergoing earthquake rehab, it's more likely that you'll need to leave until work is complete. Your earthquake insurance may cover boarding costs if your home is deemed unsafe.

Almost all new buildings in California need an earthquake shut-off valve. The requirements for an earthquake gas shut-off valve (and who can install it) depend on where you live. For example, according to the Los Angeles Municipal Code, you’re required to hire a licensed contractor to install one whenever you build, sell, or renovate a home. Check with your local building department for your city’s laws on installing, permitting, and inspecting earthquake shut-off valves.

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.

Hearing or feeling vibrations in your house can be unsettling, but there are a few possible causes for a vibrating noise in your wall or floor. Light bulbs and fixtures, circuit breakers, loose pipes, or faulty wiring could all cause vibrations. If you’re not sure what’s causing the vibrations, you can call a contractor to assess your home and narrow down the cause.

The Richardton, ND 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
•
Nov 4, 2025Nov 4, 2025
How Much Does an Earthquake Retrofit Cost? [2025 Data]
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Timothy Moore
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Dec 3, 2025Dec 3, 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.
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Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Earthquake Damage? [2025 Data]
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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.
Mary Beth Eastman
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Jul 24, 2024Jul 24, 2024
What You Need to Know About Earthquake Gas Shut-Off Valve Installation
Earthquake gas shut-off valve installation is important for any home in earthquake-prone areas. Explore how they’re installed here.
Stacey L. Nash
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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.