Were you aware that as of 2000, all newly constructed buildings in Charlotte must install earthquake shut-off valves? Local law enforcement agencies apply them as a benchmark when issuing building permits. Regardless of the fact that earthquake shut-off valves can save your own life, nevertheless, many Charlottens do not understand what they are.
Every building that is linked to gas in Charlotte should get an earthquake shut-off valve. This means pretty much every Charlotten should understand how they work. Here are the important things to understand about earthquake tripping valves, such as how to get one for your home.
Earthquake shut-off valves are specialized valves that attach to your building's gas meter. In the case of an emergency, these valves automatically shut, cutting off gas from flowing into your own line. There are two common varieties of earthquake tripping valves:
1. Seismic Natural Gas Shut-off Valve: All these valves trigger when they discover an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 or higher.
2. Excess-flow Valve: All these valves trigger when they feel a gas flow or overpressure surge somewhere in your gas line.
Strong earthquakes can instantly break gas pipes, resulting in extremely dangerous gas flows. Gas leaks are especially dangerous inside structures, where the gas becomes trapped and builds up. Trapped gas is extremely flammable and harmful. In addition to triggering the gas flow itself, earthquakes also often create situations where gas may easily ignite. If earthquakes start a fire and that fire contacts gas inside a construction, it could cause an explosion.
The worst damage earthquakes inflict often happen due to gas escapes. The most damage inflicted during the Great San Francisco Fire of 1906 happened because of gas leaks that ignited. Earthquake valves protect your home from earthquake-related gas leaks as well as the flames they cause. Following an earthquake, then you simply reset the valve after checking to ensure your gas lines aren't damaged. If the lines were damaged, the valve makes certain gas doesn't enter your house until they are fixed.
They're surprisingly straightforward! The valve is installed onto your gas meter where the meter connects to a house's gas pipes. You could consider the valve for a sort of threshold between your gas supply and your home. Usually, gas passes through this threshold like it might pass through another part of the pipe. In the case of an earthquake, however, the valve closes this threshold, limiting gas flow into your home.
Inside the valve, there's a metal ball wrapped on a ring over the passage gas journeys through. In the case of an earthquake, the shaking dislodges this metal ball from its perch. It falls down to the passage under it and blocks gas flow. Until you reset the valve, gasoline can't enter your plumbing and get into your home. When you reset the valve, all you're doing is transferring the metal ball straight back into its initial place.
Earthquake valves are discreet and quite straightforward to set up. First, we will turn off the gas supply to your home briefly. This is essential because we are opening the source pipes to attach the valve to them. Next, we'll disconnect your home's supply pipes in the gas meter. Depending on how your system functions, we might rotate or remove sections of pipe. This is going to make space for your own shut-off valve device to match between your supply pipes and your meter.
After making space, we unite the valve directly to the"end" of your supply box. The valve compartment looks either like a small box or just like a cylinder. It will most likely be another colour to make it more easily distinguishable from the rest of the pipe. Ultimately, we'll attach the valve to the house pipes themselves. When the valve is fully attached, we will test it a couple of times to make sure it's working. We will also demonstrate how to reset it.
Right away! Earthquake shut-off valves are fast and easy to install. All you have to do is telephone Plumber Charlotte NC Diamond any time. Our technicians are licensed to install earthquake shut-off valves beneath the regulations of the Charlotte Public Utilities Commission. We can guarantee we'll install your shut-off valve properly, and that it'll do its job correctly.
If you'd like to have an earthquake shut-off valve, call now! We'll work out a suitable time to come put in it. If you are not sure you want an earthquake tripping valve, then you might also schedule an inspection. Our technicians will check over 22 areas throughout your house and be sure your gas line is secure. We will also tell you if you need an earthquake shut-off valve and the way we can set up one for you.
If you think you want an earthquake shut-off valve, then don't wait; call Plumber Charlotte NC today. We are going to install your valve quickly and effectively, which means that you can be certain your home stays safe.
