Water Heater Strapping and Earthquakes in California

Santa Barbara's earthquake history

On June 29, 1925, an earthquake of about magnitude 6.5 to 6.8, centered in the Santa Barbara Channel, struck the city. Thirteen people died, the downtown business district was destroyed, and nearly every chimney in the city crumbled. Three men are credited with shutting off the town's gas and electricity and preventing a catastrophic fire (Wikipedia: 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake). Gas safety after an earthquake has been part of the local story ever since.

What the law says

California Health and Safety Code section 19211 requires all new and replacement water heaters, and existing residential water heaters, to be braced, anchored or strapped to resist falling or horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. It also requires sellers of real property to certify to the buyer that the water heater has been braced (California Health and Safety Code §19211 (water heater bracing)).

How strapping is usually done

• Two metal straps wrap the tank, one in the upper third and one in the lower third, keeping clear of the controls.
• The straps are fastened to wall studs or masonry with appropriate fasteners, not just into drywall.
• Gaps between the tank and the wall are kept small so the tank cannot build momentum.
• Flexible gas and water connectors let the tank move slightly without breaking lines.

Strapping kits and local inspection requirements set the details. A permit inspection for a water heater replacement checks them; permits go through the City of Santa Barbara inside city limits (City of Santa Barbara (building permits and inspections)).

Checking an existing heater

1. Are there two straps, upper and lower?
2. Are they tight, and fastened into studs?
3. Is the gas line a flexible connector?
4. Is the tank close to the wall?
5. Is the vent connected and secure at the top?

Beyond the water heater

The California Earthquake Authority's preparedness resources list securing the water heater alongside knowing how to shut off gas and water (California Earthquake Authority). Know where your main water shut-off and gas meter shut-off are, and keep the right wrench nearby.

Tankless units

Wall-mounted tankless heaters are fastened directly to the structure, which keeps them in place. Their gas and water connections still matter. See tankless water heaters.

Related pages: water heater repair & replacement, tankless water heaters, leak detection & repair, and what shapes an estimate.

Sources: California Health and Safety Code §19211 (water heater bracing); Wikipedia: 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake; California Earthquake Authority; City of Santa Barbara (building permits and inspections).