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>

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>

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>

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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: 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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CTE-VBMIS Group

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38 years of experience

CTE-VBMIS Group is a company headed by Mr. Eugene D. Ninnie, P.E., AIA, LEED AP. Mr. Ninnie has been a real estate professional, architect, professional engineer and contractor for over 30 years. He applies this experience in solving your specific problem. The CTE-VBMIS Group of companies are RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA RealEstateSolutionsUSA is a Site dedicated to our Preferred BUYERS looking for that specific Investment Property RESoltuionsUSA the company is a Site dedicated to people looking to sell their Home or Property FAST. CTE-VBMIS Group is an Architectural/Engineering/Construction/Real Estate Investment Company Utilizing RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA company experience profile and the experience and talents of CTE-VBMIS Group, RealEstateSolutionsUSA and RESolutionsUSA assists and help our Preferred BUYERS and MOTIVATED SELLERS and are able to provide unique and specialized solutions for any Real Estate Problem BUYERS and SELLERS have.

Earthquake Retrofitting questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Newcastle, WY 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
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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.
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.