Southern California homes see earthquakes, and a tank water heater is one of the heaviest unsecured-looking objects in a garage or closet. California requires water heaters to be braced, anchored or strapped. This checklist helps you confirm yours still is, and that the connections around it can tolerate a little movement.
Nothing here involves opening the heater. If a check fails, note it and ask a licensed plumber to correct it.
Before: twice a year
- Two straps wrap the tank, one high and one low
- Straps are snug with no gap to the tank
- Strap fasteners go into studs or solid framing
- Gas connector to the heater is flexible, not rigid pipe
- Water connectors are flexible
- Vent pipe sections are joined and secured at the draft hood
- Gas shutoff and water shutoff are reachable without moving anything
- Nothing heavy is stacked on or leaning against the heater
After shaking
- Smell first.Gas smell means leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside.
- Look, do not touch.Check whether the tank moved, the vent separated, or a connection is dripping.
- Stop any leak.Close the cold supply or the main shutoff if water is escaping.
- Turn off if damaged.If anything looks displaced, turn the heater off and have it inspected before use.
Your record
| Check date | Straps OK | Connectors OK | Vent OK | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ______ | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No | ______ |
| ______ | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No | ______ |
| ______ | Yes / No | Yes / No | Yes / No | ______ |
Ask a plumber
- Do my straps and anchoring meet California requirements?
- Should any rigid connectors be replaced with flexible ones?
- Is the vent secure enough to stay connected if the tank shifts?
Common questions
- Is one strap enough?
- A typical installation uses two, one in the upper third and one in the lower third of the tank. Ask a plumber to confirm yours.
- Can I add straps myself?
- Strap kits exist, but anchoring into framing and working around gas and vent connections matter. Many homeowners have a plumber do it.
- What if the heater moved but nothing leaks?
- Turn it off and have the gas, vent and water connections checked before running it again.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.