Is the Gas Company Responsible for Putting on the Earthquake Shut Off Valve in Southern California When Selling?

No.

The homeowner is responsible for its installation on the gas meter. The earthquake shut off valve should be within 18″ of the meter, unless it is a custom installation. See graphic below as to where the earthquake shut off valve should go.

If you live in a condo or townhome with a HOA, the HOA is not responsible for this item. Some HOAs though, at times, will pro-actively retrofit all gas meters with an earthquake shut off valve if needed. Check with your HOA committee for more information.

The new earthquake shut off valve should go on the customer owned pipeline side always. That is the current code. And make sure a licensed plumber installs this valve for you. Deadly mistakes do happen when non-licensed handymen work with gas home pipelines, don’t take a risk.

If you smell a natural gas odor, hear the hissing sound of gas escaping or see other signs of a leak: Immediately evacuate the area, and from a safe location either call 911 or SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 immediately.

More here from So Cal Gas and who installs the earthquake shut off valve.

Questions? Please post your question or comment below in the comment box.