BELLINGHAM — Your house may be missing a piece of hardware that could save lives or prevent property damage during the next earthquake.
A seismic shut-off valve, also called an earthquake valve, costs about $350 on average to install, according to Angi, a specialist job hiring website.
Puget Sound Energy advises you to know how to turn off your gas, but this valve will automatically shut off the gas in the case of an earthquake.
Seismic shut-off valves are placed on a home’s gas meter and automatically stop the flow of gas when it senses shaking, Puget Sound Energy’s website states.
They reduce the chance of fire, and explosions, and can reduce the cost of homeowner’s insurance, according to Washington Generators, a Seattle electrical company.
Homes and buildings that have a gas line running from the utility line to the building should have an automatic gas shut-off valve, according to The U.S. Department of Energy.
Seismic shut-off valves are not required in Washington , Matt Robinson, owner of Washington Seismic, a seismic retrofitting company, wrote in an email to McClatchy.
Although you can buy the valve and install it yourself, Angi’s website recommends hiring a professional.
The valves have a sensitive sensor for shaking, so if they are installed incorrectly they may shut off your gas during shaking or vibrations that are not from earthquakes.
The cost of getting a valve professionally installed can range between $250 to $750, but averages at about $350, according to Angi.
Natural gas plumbers or plumbers who specialize in gas line work should be able to properly install a seismic shut-off valve.
