Table of Contents
Where do the straps go on a water heater?
All water heaters must be strapped in at least two locations; the upper one-third of the unit and the lower one-third. The lower strap must be a minimum of 4″ above the water heater control unit.
Do electric water heaters need to be strapped?
(1) All water heaters must be strapped, whether gas or electric. (2) Two straps are needed, one in the upper one-third and one in the lower one-third of the fixture. (3) Straps may consist of either plumber’s tape (at least 24 gauge) or half-inch-diameter metal conduit.
How many straps are required on a water heater?
California Plumbing Code Section 507.2 requires that all water heaters shall be supported and strapped to prevent movement during an earthquake. Two metal straps, not less than 22 gauge, nor less than 5/8-inch wide shall be used.
How much does it cost to get water heater strapped?
Securing your hot water tank If there is more than 1 or 2 inches, attach a wooden block to the wall studs with long lag screws (see illustration on page 20). The purpose is to prevent the heater from tipping backwards. Wrap the heavy-gauge metal strapping 1½ times around the tank.
How can I secure a hot water heater without any nearby walls?
Securing Your Water Heater Secure both the top and the bottom, rather than just the top or just the middle, of the tank. Use heavy-gauge metal strapping rather than plumbers’ tape. Replace all copper and metal piping with flexible natural gas and water line connectors.
What is water heater bracing?
Any new or replacement water heater sold in California on or after July 1, 1991 be braced, anchored or strapped when installed to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake forces. Water heater installation must be approved by the Building Department having jurisdiction (typically the City or County).
Does FHA require water heater straps?
What does FHA say about water heaters? Lastly, regardless of whether the water heater is gas or electric, earthquake straps are required in California on standard water heaters. Ultimately since the gas water heater was on the ground during an FHA appraisal inspection, it had to be raised to meet current code.
Do tankless water heaters need to be strapped?
All water heaters. All storage type (tanks) heaters require strapping – gas or electric. Tankless type heaters need not be strapped.
Do tankless water heaters need to be double strapped?
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. Strapping must take place in the upper 1/3 and lower 1/3 of a tank-type water heater (not a tankless water heater).
Can you shower without a water heater?
A kettle bath is an easy way to get yourself washed without having to brave a cold shower. You should start by filling the bath with a few inches of cold water and then top it up with a kettle full of boiling water to take the edge off the cold.
Can a water heater touch the wall?
water heater can sit against wall, but this can restrict air flow so keep stuff away from gas water heater.
How far from wall should water heater?
Water heaters must be surrounded by a certain amount of clearance, or air space, to function properly and safely. A clearance area of 12 inches is required on all sides of a hot water heater.
Why are water heaters outside in California?
California, like much of the West Coast, is vulnerable to earthquakes. For this reason, water heaters must be fitted with earthquake straps to keep the appliance safely in place in the event of an earthquake.
What states require double strapped water heaters?
In addition to California and Alaska, areas of Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii also fall under the Uniform Codes’ seismic zones 3 and 4, where water heaters are specifically required to be anchored.
Can you enclose a water heater?
In most instances, a home’s water heater is placed in the basement. You can enclose the water heater by building a wall around it and constructing a utility closet.
How do you lift a water heater by yourself?
Connect a garden hose to the drain valve of the water heater Connect a garden hose to the drain valve of the water heater. Run the other end of the house outside of your home or into a floor drain. Open the drain valve on the water heater. Once the water stops pouring out of the hose, it is empty.
Can you drill into a water heater?
Do not drill into the water heater or it will be unusable. Once a hole is drilled use a thin object such as a pen or screwdriver to poke inside and locate the hex head.
What are seismic straps?
Water heater straps, also known as earthquake straps, are required in many areas of the United States. They are designed to secure the water heater from toppling over in case of an earthquake.
Are water heater straps required in Nevada?
Water heater straps are indeed required by the state of Nevada. In fact, water heaters must be restrained with double straps within 1 foot of the wall stud. These should be put in place around the heater and then connected to the unit’s frame.
How do you clean an appraisal?
In the kitchen: Clear clutter off your countertops to make your kitchen look larger. Store appliances in cabinets and make sure dishes are clean and put away on the day of your appraisal. You may also want to consider touching up backsplashes, paint or wallpaper if needed.
