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>

Top-rated earthquake retrofitting specialists.

Get matched with top earthquake retrofitting specialists in Bird In Hand, PA

Q: Can earthquake retrofitting increase home value?

• <div><p>Earthquake retrofitting can increase your home value, making it a great return on investment. This feature is especially valuable in areas prone to earthquakes. Besides the increased safety value (not only for your family but for the next family who moves in), earthquake retrofitting also helps lower homeowners insurance rates. In addition, having your home earthquake retrofitted can make it easier to get a home loan since they are considered lower risk. </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: What Is a gas shut-off valve for earthquakes?

• <div><p>Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.</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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Verified Reviews for Earthquake Retrofitting pros in Bird In Hand, PA

*The Angi rating for Earthquake Retrofitting companies in Bird In Hand, PA 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 Bird In Hand, PA 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 11, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
J.L. Beach home improvement did a fantastic job on our project.They were very professional, and took great pride in their work. We will hire them again on future projects.
J.L. Beach Home Improvements
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Reviewed in January 2025
Johnny and his team did an excellent job cleaning out my parents property. It was a big job but they got it done in a timely manner.
M7 Home Services L.L.C.
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Reviewed in November 2023
They installed snow stops, looked like good quality and installation looked very secure.
J & D Gutters
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Reviewed in September 2023
We are extremely happy with the work performed by Robert Horne Contracting. They're very professional, arrived on time, very friendly and performed quality work. We look forward to working with them again!
Robert Horne Contracting
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Reviewed in July 2022
They didn't start remodeling yet but so far great service.
Focal Point Remodeling
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Reviewed in April 2022
Raphael did a great job. Very knowledgeable and professional.
Pinnacle Drywall
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Reviewed in July 2021
Very professional and very personable! Gave me his personal number and always answered my questions immediately. Would highly recommend him!!
Evolve Kitchens
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Reviewed in June 2021
They did a great job. Rate was fair & they are very thorough.
Girons Home Improvements
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Reviewed in May 2021
RJ Potteiger Construction replaced my garage apron and added an additional concrete pad for my RV in a very efficient and professional manner. I’m really pleased with the finished product, and commend the personnel for being skilled and focused on a quality job. I feel that I definitely picked...
R J POTTEIGER CONSTRUCTION SVC
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Reviewed in June 2020
We experienced a flooded basement resulting in complete replacement of furnace, water heater and AC unit. Shaeffer's was top-notch professional in their installation and customer service, including the courtesy of ensuring they caused least disruption to our home and cleaned up any residual...
Sheaffer's Mechanical
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Find Earthquake retrofitting specialists in Bird In Hand

South Side Remodeling and Home Services

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South Side Remodeling and Home Services

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8 years of experience

With years of experience our pro's offer the best service at affordable rates. Painting, drywall repair, tile flooring, appliance installation, trim and framing, foundation repair and waterproofing, basement waterproofing, custom and odd jobs. We're flexible and eager to help where we can.

Bahret Church Interiors, Inc.

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Bahret Church Interiors, Inc.

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82 years of experience

For the past 69 years the Bahret family has delivered and hand-installed everything from complete Church Interior Design services, Church Interior Decoration, Major Church Reconstruction, Church Remodeling, Comprehensive Church Rennovation and Rehabilitation, to Restoration of Heirloom Antique Woodwork, Pew Fabric Re-Upolstery... and even Stained-Glass Repair and Cleaning. Our family's experience will meet and exceed your expectations. We can fulfill all of your Church's rennovation needs and WE DO NOT SUBCONTRACT OUR LABOR. We will meet with you for a free private consultation.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

Earthquake retrofitting can increase your home value, making it a great return on investment. This feature is especially valuable in areas prone to earthquakes. Besides the increased safety value (not only for your family but for the next family who moves in), earthquake retrofitting also helps lower homeowners insurance rates. In addition, having your home earthquake retrofitted can make it easier to get a home loan since they are considered lower risk.

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.

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.

Earthquake gas shut-off valves, or seismic gas shut-off valves, are safety devices that attach to your natural gas line. When an earthquake hits, the valve automatically turns off the flow of gas. Earthquake gas shut-off valves can prevent gas leaks, which are especially dangerous after a quake due to the risk of fire and explosion.

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.

The Bird In Hand, PA 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.
Timothy Moore
•
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.
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.
Lauren Bongard
•
Aug 21, 2024Aug 21, 2024
Is Earthquake Retrofitting Worth It? Stay Safe and Boost Your Home’s Value
Is earthquake retrofitting worth the cost and time? Learn whether seismic updates are a smart idea for your home and how to do it right.
Stephanie Mickelson
•
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.