Plumbing Checklist After an Earthquake: Gas, Water and Drains
The shaking stops and the real checking begins. Here is the order that keeps you safe and limits damage.
- 24/7 emergency calls
- Nights, weekends and holidays
- Mission Viejo, CA
Safety First: Gas Before Anything Else
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services says that if you suspect a gas leak or smell natural gas, which smells like rotten eggs, you should shut off the main gas valve. The California Public Utilities Commission adds guidance on what to do next. Leave on foot and call from a safe distance.
Do not use light switches, matches or a phone indoors if you smell gas. Do not try to find the leak yourself. Once the main gas valve is off, only the gas utility or a plumber should restore service.
If you are not sure whether you smelled gas, treat it as a leak. A false alarm costs a phone call. A missed leak can cost far more.
The Order to Check Things
| Step | What to check | What to do if something is wrong |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Gas | Smell for gas near the meter and appliances | Shut off the main gas valve and leave on foot |
| 2. Water heater | Is it upright, braced and still connected | Shut off gas and water to it and call a plumber |
| 3. Visible leaks | Look under sinks, in the garage and along walls | Close the main water valve to stop the flow |
| 4. Water meter | Is the dial moving with everything off | A moving dial can mean a broken line |
| 5. Drains and toilets | Do they flow normally | Hold off on heavy use and call a plumber |
| 6. Outdoor lines | Wet soil, sunken ground or a hissing sound | Shut off the water and call a plumber |
Work through the list in this order, and stop to deal with any problem before moving on. Take photos of anything damaged before you clean up.
The Water Heater
The California Division of the State Architect says that unanchored water heaters have moved or tipped over in earthquakes. That can break the gas line or water line and damage electrical wiring. After a quake, look at yours first.
- If it leans, moved or shows a leak, shut off the gas and the water to the heater.
- If the straps look intact and the heater is upright, still look at the gas and water connectors.
- Do not relight a pilot after a gas smell. Wait for a professional.
- If you are unsure of the heater's condition, call a plumber before turning it back on.
Bracing before a quake is far easier than inspecting after one. Our guide on strapping a water heater covers what to look for. If the heater is damaged, emergency water heater repair explains the next steps.
Water Lines and the Main Valve
Know where your main water valve is before you need it. If you see water running from a broken pipe, close the main valve and the flow stops. Test it a few seconds later by opening a faucet.
If the meter dial keeps moving with all fixtures off, a pipe may have broken underground or inside a wall. A line damaged by shifting soil can leak without any surface sign. Leak detection can find the break without tearing up the whole yard.
A burst or cracked pipe indoors is an emergency. See emergency burst pipe repair for what to do while you wait for help.
What to Do Before the Next Quake
A few steps now make the checklist above much easier later. Find the main water valve and the gas shutoff and make sure everyone in the house knows where they are. Keep a wrench near the gas valve if your utility recommends one.
- Brace the water heater with proper straps and flexible connectors.
- Keep a flashlight and a pair of shoes near the bed.
- Store a small stock of drinking water in case the supply is cut.
- Photograph your plumbing setup so you can show damage afterward.
- Save the number of a plumber in your phone.
Preparation does not prevent a quake. It shortens the time between the shaking and the fix.
Documenting Damage for Claims
If a pipe or heater is damaged, take photos and short videos before you move or clean anything. Keep receipts for any emergency work. Note the date, the time and what you did to limit the damage.
Earthquake coverage can be separate from a standard homeowners policy, so read your policy or ask your insurer. Our guide on burst pipe coverage explains how sudden damage is usually treated. It is general information and does not replace your policy.
Pets, Kids and Shared Spaces
After a quake, keep children and pets away from the water heater, the garage and any wet area until you have checked them. Broken glass, loose tiles and live wiring are common after shaking. Wet floors near outlets are a hazard.
If you live in a condo or townhome, tell your building manager about any leaks or smells. Shared pipes and shared gas lines mean one unit's damage can affect others. Report problems quickly and in writing when you can.
Drains, Toilets and the Sewer
Shaking can crack or shift drain pipes and the sewer line from the house. Signs include slow drains after the quake, gurgling, wet spots in the yard or sewage odors. Check your local city or district notices as well, since public sewers may be affected.
If you suspect damage, limit water use until a plumber has looked. Pouring more water into a broken drain can make the problem worse. A camera inspection can show the condition of the line.
Shaken and not sure what is damaged?
Call and describe what you see and smell. A plumber can tell you what to do first and what can wait.
Sources and Standards
Local figures and standards on this page come from these published sources.
Common Questions
If you smell gas or suspect a leak, yes. Cal OES says to shut off the main gas valve. Then leave and call from a safe distance.
Listen to local announcements from your city and district. Do not assume the supply is unaffected.
Look for stains, damp drywall and a moving meter dial with everything off.
If the sewer may be damaged, hold off until you have local guidance or a plumber has looked.
For gas, call from outside the home. For other plumbing damage, call a plumber.
Plumbing Damage After a Quake?
Call any hour in Mission Viejo. Tell the plumber what you see and smell and they can tell you what to do first.
Call (949) 998-2846