Natural Gas Safety

Earthquake Valves

If you do choose to install an earthquake valve:

• Have it installed by a licensed plumber.
• Be sure the dealer who sells you the device can come out to reset it, if necessary, should it ever shut off for reasons other than an earthquake.
• If a shut-off valve is activated by an earthquake, contact Puget Sound Energy to reset the device, check the entire gas system for damage, and re-light appliances free of charge.
• A good alternate to an earthquake valve is to work in partnership with your neighbors, instructing them on how to detect a natural gas leak, and on how and when to shut off the service.

Equally important is advance preparation to minimize or prevent problems:

• Houses should be anchored firmly to their foundations, as structural movement is one of the most common causes of earthquake damage to natural gas systems.
• Gas appliances should be securely mounted so that they are not susceptible to movement. Natural gas water heaters, in particular, should be anchored to a wall or post, not only to prevent breakage of gas piping, but also to preserve a supply of water.