When a seismic valve closes, it has done its job, and the gas stays off until someone opens it with a clear head. Start with the building: no smell of gas, no hissing, no damage near the pipes. This page sits under our gas line plumber guide and walks through what to check, who may reset what, and what a valve costs.
Is it safe to reset the valve myself?
Reset it only when nothing smells of gas, nothing hisses and no visible damage to pipes or appliances. Even then, SoCalGas tells customers never to restore gas at the meter themselves, and a plumber should check appliances before they are relit. Anything feels wrong? Get out first, then ring SoCalGas, 1-800-427-2200.
Two different valves are in play, and the rules differ. The utility's own shutoff sits on the pipe at the meter; SoCalGas says to leave that one off and call for restoration, because only its field staff turn a meter back on. A seismic valve is usually a separate device a plumber added downstream of the meter. The manufacturer publishes its reset steps.
I am not printing a step list here, since resetting varies by model: a lever, a cam, a small button or a screwdriver slot, and an indicator that changes color. Find the manual, or hire a plumber, because a valve that closed may have had a real reason to.
How does a seismic gas valve actually work?
An earthquake valve senses strong ground motion, usually with a ball or a pendulum, and drops closed so gas stops flowing into the house. Its purpose is to prevent leaks and fires after a quake from broken pipes and appliance connections. Smell plays no part: it reacts to shaking, not to a leak, and a small tremor will not move it.
That is where the Northridge earthquake of 1994 enters most conversations: the quake is the one regularly cited when people explain why seismic valves are talked about in Southern California. The valve is one layer. A manual shutoff, a strapped water heater and flexible gas connectors are others.
Some valves are called earthquake-actuated, others automatic, and a few add an excess-flow function that closes when gas rushes through a broken line. In California, the State Architect certifies seismic shutoff valves, and a valve for a house should be on that approved list. Ask the installer for the model and its certification before you pay.
Can I put an earthquake valve on the gas meter?
Fitting one near the meter is gas pipe work, which California reserves for contractors rather than homeowners. Your valve threads onto your own pipe past the meter. The meter is the utility's property, so leave its fittings alone. If you want a valve fitted, a plumber arranges it.
Scams exist here. SoCalGas has put out a warning about people who phone or knock claiming the utility requires an earthquake valve and demanding payment. Verify who you are talking to, and call SoCalGas yourself on a number you looked up. A real installer quotes in writing and shows the model.
For how a gas line job is priced and permitted, the gas line cost page is a good companion, and the residential gas piping codes explain what an inspector looks at.
What will a seismic valve cost me?
Installer cost guides for California put a standard installation at roughly $250 to $750, with the valve itself a modest slice of that. Some businesses quote well above, depending on how awkward the meter area is and whether extra piping is needed. Those are published guides, not our quote, and your meter location drives the final number.
Things that move the price: a clean pipe run at the meter versus a tight corner behind a wall, whether a permit is added, and whether you are fitting a basic seismic valve or a combination valve. Permit rules are set by the city. In Torrance that means the Building and Safety Division, so find out whether the quote covers any permit.
If the figure sounds high, ask what is included and get a second quote. You can request a quote with your meter location and the type of valve you are considering. We take requests weekdays, nine to five.
What comes first after a big shake?
Use your nose and ears. A gas smell or a hiss means everyone out, a call to SoCalGas placed outdoors, and 911 when someone is at risk. With no smell, SoCalGas says not to shut off the meter without a reason. Skip lights and flames until you are sure.
If the seismic valve tripped but you smell nothing, you still should not rush. Pipes can be damaged without a smell yet. Have a plumber test the system, then relight pilots. A pilot that blew out on the water heater or a wall furnace should be relit by someone qualified; our notes on pilot light repair explain the usual faults.
The after-quake checklist belongs on the fridge, along with the number for SoCalGas. A wrench near the meter is something the utility itself recommends for the manual shutoff, along with a reminder not to use it unless there is a leak.
Common questions
Who gets to restore gas service after a quake?
Per SoCalGas, its own field employees are the only ones who reopen a meter. If you closed it, keep it closed and phone them. A house-side seismic valve is reset per its maker's steps, ideally with a plumber checking pipes and appliances.
Does an earthquake valve work on every tremor?
No. Shaking has to cross a set strength before it drops shut, so a light tremor leaves it open. That is by design, because a valve that tripped on every small jolt would leave you without gas all the time. A strong shake that closes it is a signal to inspect.
Is an earthquake valve required in Torrance?
I could not confirm a citywide requirement for existing homes from the City of Torrance, so I will not state one. Rules can apply to new construction, certain sales or permitted work. Ask the Torrance Building and Safety Division, or your installer, what applies to your property.
Which earthquake valve is best?
The best fit depends on the meter layout and the kind of valve, not a brand name. Pick a model that appears on the state's approved list, ask the installer why they chose it, and get the warranty terms in writing. See our emergency gas valve page for the safety side.
For the wider picture, start with plumber across Torrance.
Sources used
Last updated