Plumbing Earthquake Safety

We all think about it, what we need to do to prepare for an earthquake, but do you know what you can do to help prevent problems with your plumbing and gas during an earthquake? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Install An Automated Gas Shut Off Valve
   
   Install an automated gas shut off valve. This valve automatically shuts the gas off to your home in the event there is an earthquake. It has an easy reset button to turn it back on when you can be sure it is safe to do so.
   


2. Strap Your Water Heater
   
   Make sure your water heater is properly strapped to studs in your wall. An improperly strapped water heater could fall over during an earthquake, this would not only damage it but possibly break the water and gas connections causing dangerous leaks.
   


3. Locate Main Shut Off Valves
   
   Familiarize yourself and your family with the location of your main water and gas shut off valves and label each of the valves. This way they can be easily identified and manually turned off if needed in an emergency. This will help limit damage to your home should your water or gas system develop a leak during an earthquake.
   


4. Update Your Water Shut Off Valve
   
   Make sure you have an operable ball valve type water shut off valve to your home. This is the type that easily shuts off with one ninety-degree turn, rather than an old gate valve that requires turning several times to shut off. If you have this older style valve, test it to ensure it can be shut off. You want to make sure you will be able to do so to limit damage from plumbing leaks that tend to occur from earthquakes.
   


5. Check Angle Stops and Supply Lines
   
   Inspect and test the angle stops and supply lines throughout your home to ensure they are in good condition. These are the items that supply water to your faucets, toilets, and other fixtures and appliances that use water. They are more likely to break if they are old and corroded. And if they are in good working condition, they will allow you to shut off water to one fixture that may be leaking rather than to your whole home, should you have a problem in one area, which is important to let you continue with most of your daily routines while you wait for repairs that may be needed.

For help with any issues to get prepared and address your plumbing problems, give us a call 24/7.