Seismic straps for water heater

Water heater bracing should follow seismic bracing requirements to ensure safety. You can protect this valuable resource by securing your water heater to the wall studs. Prior to this, a single strap of plumbers’ tape was commonly used.

This video shows how to properly install seismic water heater strapping. It was written and filmed by home inspectors who are certified members of The Golden Gate Chapter of the American Society. Save water heater earthquake straps to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay. Everbilt water heater restraints are the most tested Everbilt water heater restraints are the most tested approved and recognized water heater restraints in the market. The patented system provides secure frontal attachment making a superior seismic mounting solution.

Unsecured water heaters often fall over, rupturing rigid water and gas connections. If your water heater does not have two straps that wrap completely around it and are screwed into the studs or masonry of the wall, then it is not properly braced. HOLDRITE Quick Brand water heater accessories and equipment platforms are the most lab-tested and recognized water heater bracing and support systems in the market. Many water heaters go unsecured until the home is sol at which time the owner is required to do the work.

Earthquake strapping comes in different qualities. Securely fasten your water heater to studs with earthquake safety straps , tighten so there is no wiggle. Do this simple, but important safety prep. Residential Code requirement for water heater seismic traps The Residential Building Code (R30..7) requires the use of straps or anchors on water heaters in certain seismic locations. The requirement for straps can be found in both the mechanical section of the code as well as the plumbing section.

Quick Strap Water Heater Restraints 1Gal. Supports up to 1gallon water heaters. Includes mounting hardware. Most tested and recognized water heater seismic restraint available. State of California Health and Safety Code mandates that new and replacement water heaters be braced and anchore and that compliance is a point-of-sale requirement.

Hot water tank seismic strapping involves the use of straps , spacers, and screws which are used to secure it to wall framing. The number one reason you want your tank available is so you have gallons of potable water available to drink as basic services will be unavailable. Manufacturers of water heaters must provide installation instructions for seismic straps with each fixture sold.

The office of the state architect must prepare generic installation instructions with standard details illustrating minimum standards for earthquake strapping. Strapping water heaters is now required by code and new water heaters are generally secure. Older water heaters may need to be strapped to the wall studs.

There are other items, like masonry chimneys, that may need to be considered in an earthquake retrofit. Producers of water heaters must offer clear instructions for installation, with seismic straps to be included with each unit sold. The state architect must put together general installation instructions which include basic details showing the minimum standards for the application of earthquake strapping. In a number of states, it is recommended that water heaters be strapped so that they do not shift about during a quake. However, this supply of water is extremely vulnerable to the ground undulation (swells and rolls) and ground acceleration of earthquakes, causing them to tip over.

Subject: Water Heater Seismic Strapping Question: Section 507. Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC) requires water heaters to be anchored or strapped in seismic categories C, E, and F. However, this section does not provide minimum standards for anchoring or strapping methods or materials. The bottom strap must be located at least away from the water heater controls.

You must protect your water heater in case of an earthquake by placing seismic bracing on the tank. The bracing must be two 20-gauge sheet metal straps. One strap must be on the upper third of the tank and the other on the lower third of the tank. Approved seismic bracing kits for water heaters are available at many.

SEISMIC RESTRAINTS FOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. Coils and Heat Exchangers 15. Condenser and Condensing units 17. Install bracing between the water heater and the wall if tightening the restraint straps will cause the water heater to lean. Install the metal bracket supplied with the kit or a length of 2-by-4.

This may be accomplished by installing an over the counter “ water heater restraint” kit approved by the Office of State Architect (O.S.A.). The lower strap must be a minimum of above the water heater control. A water heater can cost $5or more to replace after an earthquake , but the damage will cost significantly more if a home fire or flood happens due to your water heater not being strapped properly!

Shop water heater accessories in the water heaters section of Lowes. Straps should be checked annually. Find quality water heater accessories online or in store.