Why strapping matters

A tank water heater holds dozens of gallons of water on a narrow base, connected to the house by a gas line, a vent and two water lines. If it walks or topples during shaking, those connections can pull apart. A broken gas connection is a fire risk; a broken water line floods the garage or closet.

California requires water heaters to be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or moving in an earthquake. The straps are inexpensive compared with what they prevent, which is why a careful installer treats them as part of every job rather than an extra.

Strapping basics

Requirement
Water heaters in California must be braced, anchored or strapped against earthquake motion
Typical setup
Two straps, one in the upper third and one in the lower third of the tank
Anchoring
Into wall studs or solid framing, not just drywall
Tankless units
Mounted to the wall per the manufacturer's instructions

Check your straps

A quick look can tell you a lot. If anything here is missing, ask a plumber to correct it.

  • Two straps wrap the tank, not one
  • Straps are snug, with no visible gap between strap and tank
  • Fasteners go into studs or solid framing
  • Straps are not cutting across the controls, drain valve or relief valve
  • Gas and water connections are flexible rather than rigid pipe straight into the tank
  • Nothing heavy is stacked on or leaning against the heater

Properly secured versus not

Secured

  • Tank stays upright during shaking
  • Flexible connectors absorb small movement
  • Gas and water lines stay intact

Unsecured or loose

  • Tank can rock, walk or tip
  • Rigid connections can snap
  • Gas leak and flooding risk after the shaking stops

After an earthquake

  1. Smell for gas.If you smell gas, leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
  2. Look before you touch.Check whether the heater moved, the vent separated, or any connection is leaking.
  3. Shut off water if leaking.Close the cold supply on the heater or the main shutoff for the house.
  4. Have it inspected.If anything moved or looks damaged, have a licensed plumber check it before running it again.

Ask at replacement

  1. Are new straps included, and how will they be anchored?
  2. Will the gas and water connections be flexible?
  3. Does the vent connection stay secure if the tank shifts slightly?
  4. Does the city require an inspection that includes strapping?

Common questions

Can I reuse old straps on a new heater?
Only if they fit the new tank properly and are in good condition. Most installers fit new straps sized for the new heater.
Is plumber's tape enough?
Thin perforated metal tape is not the same as a proper seismic strap kit. Ask for a strapping method that meets California requirements.
Do tankless heaters need straps?
They are mounted directly to a wall rather than standing on the floor, so the mounting itself secures them. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.