Earthquake Valve.

[westcoastplumber]

For those of you who have PM'd me about what the heck one is, or what one looks like, here you go, from a job today.

The before and after picture. The meter was in a wall cavity, so it made it a bit harder to work with. But all in a day's work.

By the way, I slammed that door as hard as possible, enough to have the owner come out, there is no way closing that door will set it off.

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/5353/earthquakevalvebeforeuj1.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/111/earthquakevalveafter002rl4.jpg

[Masterplumb]

Is galvanized the norm for you guys on the left coast?

[westcoastplumber]

Is galvanized the norm for you guys on the left coast?



I only use galvanized, although not required in this instance, only outside, but I hate black pipe and it rot's faster.

galv is cleaner and stays looking nice, especially in moisture

[HVAC HAWK]

we use all black pipe and we paint all pipe that is out side
we cant use gal the inside of the pipe rots and flaks get into gas valves

[westcoastplumber]

we use all black pipe and we paint all pipe that is out side
we cant use gal the inside of the pipe rots and flaks get into gas valves



You guy's have some bad gas over there:o:o

[OkieBill]

I too was told long ago to never use Gal pipe with gas since the zinc would flake off and clog orifi...

I was recently on a gas leak and was talking with the local gas utility during the pressure test and this subject came up here is what he said...

" The old Gal pipe had a very rough zinc finish that was suceptable to flaking. It has to do with the way the old galvinization process of hot dipping... Now the process is changed and it is not the problem it once was. We now have greater problems with the rust in black iron so we only use Gal nipples and fittings at the meters."

I still only use BI but am not bothered by the use of Gal :)

[PLUMBER RICK]

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/5353/earthquakevalvebeforeuj1.jpg

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/111/earthquakevalveafter002rl4.jpg

robert, hate to tell you, but an earthquake valve has to be sized to the largest pipe downstream.

your 3/4'' valve, although might be rated for enough btu's. is not the proper size since the down stream pipe is 1'' or 1.25''.

there is a way around it, but not usually worth it. you can draw up the entire gas system and submit it for plan check. get it approved and signed off.

of course this is in the city of l.a. not sure what city you're in?

this all changed about 5 years ago.

rick.

[westcoastplumber]

robert, hate to tell you, but an earthquake valve has to be sized to the largest pipe downstream.

your 3/4'' valve, although might be rated for enough btu's. is not the proper size since the down stream pipe is 1'' or 1.25''.

there is a way around it, but not usually worth it. you can draw up the entire gas system and submit it for plan check. get it approved and signed off.

of course this is in the city of l.a. not sure what city you're in?

this all changed about 5 years ago.

rick.



The pipe is 1 1/4" in the wall, and there is a stove, FAU and a water heater on it, thats it. Really stupid for me to put on an 1 1/4" valve considering I don't even have room for it. All my others have been approved. This is not in Los Angeles either, and the city does not want a permit, I called and checked, I was gonna have it permitted and inspected.

[JCsPlumbing]

Robert, do you consider this "Code Redundancy"?

J.C.

[toolaholic]

I've switched to ASSI, and won't go back. I like having the unit mounted to the house wall ,no false tripping. Also I like the separate shut down button. Greg uses them also.

[westcoastplumber]

Robert, do you consider this "Code Redundancy"?

J.C.


In a way, on this I do. I would have had to tear up this guy's house to install an 1 1/4 e/q valve. This job also, is not in the city of los angeles.

This is not considered a restriction.

[gear junkie]

How'd you keep such clean joints? I always end up having pipe dope on my joints. If the meter is 3/4" why isn't the valve sized to meter and not the pipe? What does it matter about the pipe in wall? Keep in mind this is the first time I've seen an earthquake valve.

[NHMaster3015]

I just love that poeple would willingly live in a place that could slip into the ocean at any time. :D

[JERRYMAC]

LOOKS VERY GOOD ROBERT
BUT ON THIS ONE I AGREE WITH RICK ,
WITH THE EXTRA 90'S YOU HAD TO USE YOU COULD HAVE A UNACCEPTABLE GAS FLOW LOSS

YOU SHOULD PUT IN THE BRAND NAME AND MODEL NUMBER,
PLUS A SHORT NOTE HOW AND WHY IT'S USED IN So. CALIF. FOR THOSE FOLKS WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT A EARTHQUAKE IS.

[westcoastplumber]

I've switched to ASSI, and won't go back. I like having the unit mounted to the house wall ,no false tripping. Also I like the separate shut down button. Greg uses them also.



I like ASSI, just have not used it yet. Today, I decided I am gonna start using them. Just take the 90 off and install their fitting, very convenient.;) I also like the way it is mounted to the house. Less chance of a false reading.

[PLUMBER RICK]

I've switched to ASSI, and won't go back. I like having the unit mounted to the house wall ,no false tripping. Also I like the separate shut down button. Greg uses them also.

so do i:D

the additional cost for the valve is easily absorbed in the simple installation of removing a 90 and not having to install swing joints to level the valve.

funny part is the person who invented the assi valve also invented the little fire fighter that robert used.

rick.

[westcoastplumber]

so do i:D

the additional cost for the valve is easily absorbed in the simple installation of removing a 90 and not having to install swing joints to level the valve.

funny part is the person who invented the assi valve also invented the little fire fighter that robert used.

rick.


an 11/4 ASSI might have worked in this situation. take off the
11/4 x 3/4 x 1 tee and install the 11/4 90.....then run a bell reducer to 3/4 and hook the meter back up.

[toolaholic]

This is funny, I installed an assi onto a reinforced stone veneer wall next to the meter,I'll send pix. later. Inspector never said a word. Never called Him, HE HE , Me bad.
Ihave installed Two so far, as a gift ,for customers that have become family. I charge
$400.00 material and labor for this brand.

[plumbworker]

How'd you keep such clean joints? I always end up having pipe dope on my joints. If the meter is 3/4" why isn't the valve sized to meter and not the pipe? What does it matter about the pipe in wall? Keep in mind this is the first time I've seen an earthquake valve.
i was thinking the same thing about those joints.. didn't see much pipe dope or tape..? nice job it looks really clean

[westcoastplumber]

i was thinking the same thing about those joints.. didn't see much pipe dope or tape..? nice job it looks really clean



Thank You, I use KeyTite also. Love the stuff. :D