Water Heater Strapping Blocking

The bottom strap on a water heater should be a minimum of 4 inches above the gas valve controls.

Water heater strapping blocking.

Strappings shall be at points within the upper one third and lower one third of its vertical dimensions. 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. According to the newer code strapping shall be at points within the upper one third and lower one third of the water heater.

Because so many tanks burst through this strapping experts now recommend. Strapping shall be at points within the upper one third 1 3 and lower one third 1 3 of its vertical dimensions. A water heater strap keeps the unit from tipping over in case of an earthquake or other dicey situation. Prior to this a single strap of plumbers tape was commonly used.

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. The water heater is a few inches from the walls so cut some scrap 2x4 s and 2x6 s to fit behind it. The straps then hold the assembly in place against the water heater. Strap not 4 inches above the gas valve.

Experts modified the procedure for strapping water heaters following the 1989 loma prieta and 1994 northridge earthquakes. At the lower point a distance of not less than four 4 inches 102 mm shall be maintained from the controls to the strapping. Secure both the top and the bottom rather than just the top or just the middle of the tank. The water heater strap code varies by state and is a set of mandates regarding how or if a water heater needs to be secured to a wall.

There are several states where you are not required to have a strap on your water heater. The code dictates whether or not you need a strap how it must be installed and other specific guidelines. The metal straps are threaded through two metal buckles screwed to this wood assembly.