How To Prep Your Water Heater for an Earthquake near Chino CA
We live in an area that is prone to earthquakes and have special regulations and codes that apply to home water heaters. We’ll take a look at some of the most important earthquake regulations and codes for water heaters in and around Chino, CA.
Step 1: Secure Your Water Heater
The first thing to know is that all water heaters must be securely fastened to the building structure. This is to prevent them from falling over or shifting in the event of an earthquake.
There are different ways to fasten a water heater, but the most common method is to use bolts and straps.
- The bolts should be made of non-corrosive material, and they should be long enough to go through the entire thickness of the unit.
- The straps should be made of metal or another strong material, and they should be able to hold the unit in place even if it shifts during an earthquake.
California residents are actually required to have their water heaters strapped (gas and electric) to the wall. Two straps are required, one on the upper one-third of the tank and one on the lower one-third.
Step 2: Install an Automatic Gas Shutoff Valve
Another important regulation is that all gas-fired water heaters must have an automatic shut-off valve. This valve will activate if the unit starts to tip over, and it will shut off the gas supply so that there is no risk of a gas leak.
If you have an electric water heater, there is no need for an automatic shut-off valve since there is no risk of a gas leak. However, it is still a good idea to have a manual shut-off valve in case you need to turn off the power for any reason.
Securing Your Water Heater During an Earthquake
It’s important to make sure that your water heater is up to code near Chino, CA. All water heaters must be securely fastened to the building structure, and all gas-fired units must have an automatic shut-off valve. These regulations are in place to protect you and your home in the event of an earthquake.
Please contact JIG Plumbing if you have any questions about water heater rules and regulation for earthquake preparation.
