Even if children do not have immediate access to them, water heaters can tip over in a disaster spilling dangerously hot water into a building. If the heaters run on flammable gas and the gas breaks, the situation becomes far more serious. Similar problems afflict overhead pipes and ducts.

In many areas of the country where earthquakes are common, local building codes may require water heaters are laterally braced or strapped to resist horizontal seismic forces. Most hardware stores sell retrofit kits for different sized water heaters. In addition, several generic restraint systems are available. Before you decide on a retrofit, check with the local building department and make sure that it is approved for use in the area.

• Secure water heaters (up to 50 gallons) to stud walls using the simple, generic method detailed in Figures 15 through 17.
  
  • You can anchor the water heater using items that are readily available from the local hardware store, including:
    
    • Heavy-duty shelving brackets;
      
    • 3/4-inch plumber's strapping (metal strapping with perforated holes);
      
    • 2 X 4 wood blocking; and
      
    • Various fasteners.
      
  • To begin: fasten two 2 x 4 wood blocking strips to the nearby wall -one at a height within the upper one-third (1/3) of the water heater and the other within the lower one-third (1/3) of the water heater. The lower 2 x 4 should be at least four (4) inches above the water heater control. If you are working with a wood or metal stud wall, attach the blocking directly to the studs. Use a stud locator to find the studs.
    
  • Fasten heavy-duty shelving brackets to the wood blocking. These brackets should fit snugly against the water heater.
    
  • Wrap plumber's strapping around the heater and secure it to the brackets.
    
    
• Use flexible connectors for all utility connections instead of rigid connectors.
  
  • Be sure to check with local building code officials to see if a licensed plumber is required to install flexible connections.
  • Try to get a local plumber to volunteer services and join your team.
    
    
• Make certain everyone knows where to locate the gas shutoff valve, and how to operate it.
  
  
• Secure pipes and ducts to permanent structural members using a combination of angle braces and plumber's strapping or safety cable.

Figure 15: Overview of Typical Retrofitted Water Heater

Figure 16: Straight Wall Configuration

General Notes: Blocking Attachment to Wall

1. Wood stud walls: Use (2) #16 (or min. 1/4 ø) x 3 1/2" lag screws with hex head and washer under head of screw.
2. Concrete walls: Use 3/8" diameter masonry anchors with 1 5/8" embedment into existing wall at 12"-16" on center.
3. Steel stud walls: Use (2) #10-16 self-drilling sheet metal screws with hex head and washer under head of screw.
4. For wood and metal stud walls, center screws on studs.

 

Figure 17: Corner Wall Configuration

General Notes: Blocking Attachment to Wall

1. Wood stud walls: Use (2) #16 (or min. 1/4 ø) x 3 1/2" lag screws with hex head and washer under head of screw.
2. Concrete walls: Use 3/8" diameter masonry anchors with 1 5/8" embedment into existing wall at 12"-16" on center.
3. Steel stud walls: Use (2) #10-16 self-drilling sheet metal screws with hex head and washer under head of screw.
4. For wood and metal stud walls, center screws on studs.

 

Necessary Tools and Materials

	2 x 4s	______	quantity		Heavy-duty shelving brackets	______
	Stud locator	______			Plumber's strapping	______
	Screwdriver	______			Screws	______
	Variable speed drill and bits	______			Slotted angles or L-brackets	______
	Various fasteners	______			Flexible connector	______