After a strong earthquake, broken gas lines and appliances knocked off their connections are a major source of fires. A seismic gas shutoff valve is a mechanical valve that trips closed at a set level of shaking, stopping gas to the whole house without anyone needing to reach the meter with a wrench.
There are two common types of automatic valve. A motion-activated seismic valve closes when it senses strong shaking. An excess flow valve closes when gas flow suddenly exceeds normal levels, as it would with a broken line. California requires automatic shutoff valves sold for this purpose to be certified, and some cities require one at sale or remodel. We will check what applies to your property.
Valves trip during strong quakes, and occasionally from a hard bump. Resetting one means making sure there are no leaks and relighting every pilot, so we show you how, and we can come out to restore service. If you are already having gas line work done, adding a valve at the same time is efficient.