I'd be happy to suggest people in the area that brace water heaters.
Email me at Diane@DianeVerducci.com
Brace Your Water Heater
If the water heater is not securely attached to the wall it can topple during an earthquake. If gas or electrical lines are broken as it falls, a fire and water damage may result.
- Get two pieces of 22-gauge metal earthquake straps about 10 feet long and 1-1/2 inch wide; four 2-1/2 inch by 5/16 inch lag bolts; drill and 3/16 inch drill bit; a wrench.
- Place one earthquake strap about a foot from the top of the water heater, over the insulation blanket. If possible, completely encircle the tank with the strap. This helps prevent the tank from swaying during an earthquake. Never place straps over the controls or over any pipes that run along the outside of the tank.
- Use your drill to make pilot holes for the lag bolts. Then thread the lag bolts through each end of the strap and screw them into the wall studs on each side of the tank. Make sure the strap holds the water heater snugly.
- Repeat the process for the bottom strap, installing it about 18 inches from the bottom of the tank.
- If there is a space between the tank and the wall, install spacers to prevent the tank from shifting backwards. Spacers can be cut to fit from drywall or other noncombustible materials. Attach them to the wall behind the tank.
- Be sure a flexible pipe is used to connect the gas supply to the heater. If not, call a plumbing or heating contractor.
How to Turn Off Your Gas
- In an emergency, your gas can be turned off at the main shut-off valve next to your gas meter. Using a wrench, give the valve a quarter turn in either direction; the valve is closed when the tang (the part you put the wrench on) is crosswise to the pipe.
- Once your gas has been shut off, do not try to turn it back on. Only a qualified service person with special training and equipment can do this safely. Call PG&E and they will send someone out to do it for you.
Earthquake Safety Tips provided by PG&E - Earthquake Safety
How to Locate Your Main GAs Service Shutoff Valve, When to Turn Off Your Gas and How to Turn it off. Click here for more information on Turning Off Your Gas for Earthquake Safety