Water Heater Earthquake Strap Installation

Earthquake straps areas prone to earthquakes and some that are not will require the water heater to be strapped in place to prevent damage during a quake.

Water heater earthquake strap installation.

Experts modified the procedure for strapping water heaters following the 1989 loma prieta and 1994. Expansion tanks some systems are considered closed meaning the backflow is blocked. A water heater strap keeps the unit from tipping over in case of an earthquake or other dicey situation. Fresh water after a disaster may be as close as your water heater provided of course it remains standing upright.

At the lower point a distance of not less than four 4 inches 102 mm shall be maintained from the controls to the strapping. Install bracing between the water heater and the wall if tightening the restraint straps will cause the water heater to. Install a restraint kit in a masonry wall using appropriate masonry anchors recommended by the kit. Strappings shall be at points within the upper one third and lower one third of its vertical dimensions.

Depending on the particular requirements you may need to use more than one strap. Replaced fixed copper tubing with flexible connectors to the water heater. The code specifically requires that water heaters be strapped or anchored to resist horizontal displacement from earthquake motion. Water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion.

You can protect this valuable resource by securing your water heater to the wall studs. The rheem protech earthquake strap properly secures your water heater and prevents it from damage in the event of seismic activity or other natural disasters. It meets plumbing and real estate codes and is approved by the state of california. Strapping must take place in the upper 1 3 and lower 1 3 of a tank.

Kit includes straps and installation hardware. First check for plumber s tape. According to california law all new water heater installations must have these straps as well as all existing ones at the time of property sale.