Water Heater Strapping Blocking

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Water heater strapping blocking.

Water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. To date this is all the plumbing code has to offer on the subject. Strap not 4 inches above the gas valve. According to the newer code strapping shall be at points within the upper one third and lower one third of the water heater.

Experts modified the procedure for strapping water heaters following the 1989 loma prieta and 1994 northridge earthquakes. One of the requirements is that one be in the top 1 3 area of the water heater and the other be in the bottom 1 3 area of the water heater. Secure both the top and the bottom rather than just the top or just the middle of the tank. Strapping shall be at points within the upper one third 1 3 and lower one third 1 3 of its vertical dimensions.

The water heater is a few inches from the walls so cut some scrap 2x4 s and 2x6 s to fit behind it. Water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Because so many tanks burst through this strapping experts now recommend. There are several states where you are not required to have a strap on your water heater.

Prior to this a single strap of plumbers tape was commonly used. Strappings shall be at points within the upper one third and lower one third of its vertical dimensions. The metal straps are threaded through two metal buckles screwed to this wood assembly. At the lower point a distance of not less than four 4 inches 102 mm shall be maintained from the controls to the strapping.

A water heater strap keeps the unit from tipping over in case of an earthquake or other dicey situation. The code dictates whether or not you need a strap how it must be installed and other specific guidelines. The straps then hold the assembly in place against the water heater.