The gas went off after a shake. Before anything else, settle one question: is gas escaping? Smell, listen and look. Any sign means leave, then report it to SoCalGas from outdoors. No sign means the valve likely did its job and the maker's reset steps apply. Broader gas work is covered by the gas line plumber hub.
What should I check before touching a tripped gas valve?
Check for a leak before anything else. Gas carries an added odor, though SoCalGas warns you might not notice it, so listen for hissing and look at appliance connections too. Any of those signs means: out of the house, a call to SoCalGas on 1-800-427-2200 from a safe distance, valve untouched.
Smell is not a reliable alarm. A cold, allergies, medication or other odors can mask it, and SoCalGas says so on its leak page. Do not use light switches, matches or a phone indoors if you suspect gas. A valve that tripped with no sign of leakage is a valve that sensed motion. Keep that in mind: it can trip from a truck, a neighbor's work or a real quake.
Which valve is mine to reset?
Two valves share the line and answer to different owners. The meter shutoff is part of the utility's system, and under the state utility-commission rule SoCalGas cites, the operating of it is reserved to SoCalGas and its authorized contractors. A seismic valve past the meter on your own pipe is a homeowner device, reset to the maker's instructions.
Find yours first. The seismic valve is usually mounted on the house pipe just after the meter, a small body with a lever, button or ring. SoCalGas states these valves are installed by a qualified professional on the house line, and that valves are not permitted inside the utility's curb meter vaults. Found nothing but the meter's valve? Leave it closed.
What are the reset steps for a seismic gas valve?
Models reset in different ways, so read the label or the maker's sheet. The common pattern is: turn off every gas appliance, confirm no gas smell, then operate the reset the model uses, which may be a lever, a button or a magnet tool. Then wait, listen, and relight pilots only after a leak check.
Wikipedia's description of earthquake valves notes that the motion-sensing ball type can be reset with an external magnetic tool or an internal lift mechanism, and it does not say how other types reset. That is the reason for reading your own model's sheet. Here is the safe order.
- Close the valve at each appliance: heater, range, dryer and any fireplace.
- Confirm there is no smell or sound of gas in the house or at the valve.
- Reset the valve the way the label for your model says.
- Open the appliance valves one at a time.
- Relight pilots only if a plumber has checked for leaks, which SoCalGas recommends.
- If gas smells at any step, shut the appliance valve, go outside and call SoCalGas.
A valve that trips again at once is telling you there is a leak or a faulty unit. Do not keep resetting it.
Can a plumber handle the reset for me?
Yes, and some situations call for it: the model label is gone, pilots need relighting, a gas smell came and went, or the valve keeps tripping. SoCalGas itself prefers that a qualified professional, or the utility, handles the reset along with an appliance leak check. After a big event, waiting on the utility can stretch to days or weeks.
A plumber checks the house line with a pressure test, looks at flexible connectors and appliance valves, and relights pilots. For more than a reset, such as a new line or a moved valve, a permit and inspection apply. Mission Viejo handles permits and inspections through its online Client Self Service portal, and the Building Services line is (949) 470-3054. Our gas piping code guide covers the rest. SoCalGas charges a fee for resets after a closure that was not caused by an earthquake, according to its valve page.
Is a seismic valve required, and what does it cost?
Sometimes required, often optional. SoCalGas says your insurer or local building department may require one, and to ask them which size and brand they accept. SoCalGas does not install them or offer a rebate listed on its page. We found no reliable published price, so the written quote sets yours.
Compare it with the excess flow valve, which is a different part. That one sits underground on the service line and closes if the line is severed or flow surges. SoCalGas says it does not protect against earthquake or flood damage. Our seismic valve options article compares the choices, gas line costs lists neighboring prices, and a tripped valve near a gas heater ties to the pilot light repair guide.
Common questions
Why did my gas valve trip when I felt nothing?
Most models respond to ground motion that people may barely notice, and some close on a sudden surge of flow. A heavy truck, a nearby construction impact or a small quake can do it. Treat every trip the same way: look for a leak first, then follow the reset steps for your model.
Can I open the meter valve myself after a shutoff?
No. According to SoCalGas, its own field employees are the only ones who reopen the meter, and the piping and appliances inside must be inspected first. A closed meter stays closed until they arrive. If a leak is suspected, make that call from outdoors.
Should I shut off my gas after an earthquake?
Only on real evidence of a leak, meaning odor, hissing or visible damage, and only if reaching the meter is safe. SoCalGas describes its network as resilient and says shaking rarely causes a leak by itself. Know where the meter is and keep a wrench handy for that quarter turn.
Does the Northridge earthquake have anything to do with these valves?
People often search for the valve by that name, but we found no official source in this research tying a Mission Viejo requirement to it. The practical question is the one SoCalGas answers: who installs it, who resets it, and what your insurer or city requires for your house.
This guide is one of many on the plumber guide for Mission Viejo.
Sources
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