If you have a home in California, it more than likely has a water heater. Almost every modern home does. However, if you live in an area susceptible to earthquakes, your water heater needs to be strapped in, as required by law. Los Angeles residents all fall under this requirement. Keep reading to find out what that means exactly.
Water heater straps are strips of metal that run the circumference of your water heater. They then have separate apparatuses that nail that belt of metal to the wall. Doing this leaves no room for the water heaters to move around. In the event of an earthquake, then, you can rest assured your water heater will stay in the standing, upright position.
The reason this is of concern and why, therefore, it is required by law is because if your water heater fell over, it could cause a lot of damage. Consider that your water heater is connected to your home’s fuel supply, for example. Having your water heater fall over could easily make for a gas leak. That alone would be enough of an issue. But a gas leak mixing with live electricity or a fire, should one break out, could easily become fatal for those in or around the home.
More than likely your water heater already has straps. If it doesn’t and you’re located in a seismic zone where it’s required, call a professional immediately to take care of it for you.