|
Welcome back! What did you think of our Property Management Software?
Are you subscribed to our feed and receiving email updates? |
Guide to Secure Water Heater to Prevent Damage During Earthquake
During earthquakes one of the most serious threats of fire, explosion or electrocution is from water heaters that overturn or experience damage to plumbing or electrical wires. Home owners, property owners, landlords, property managers and property management companies can reduce the risk of fire, explosion or electrocution from water heaters that overturn or are damaged during an earthquake by strapping, branching or anchoring them.
Water heaters should be secured to the wall in areas with seismic risk, to minimize the amount of property damage or injury caused by an earthquake. Below are the steps that are to be taken to secure water heaters.
- Attach two 2 x 4 wood blocking strips to the nearest wall
- One strip should be located within the upper one-third of the water heater.
- The lower one should be within the lower one-third of the water heater, but at least four inches above the water heater control.
- Fasten heavy-duty shelving brackets to the wood blocking. These brackets should fit snugly against the water heater.
- Wrap plumber’s strapping (metal strapping with holes) around the tank and secure it to the brackets.
- Replace rigid water and gas connectors with flexible connectors. Check with local building code officials to see if you must hire a licensed plumber to modify the connections.
- Make certain all adult and teenage family members know where to locate the gas shut-off valve and how to operate it.
If the walls are stone or masonry walls do the following:
- Pre-drill holes
- Insert plastic anchors
- Install the screw-eye
Source: Institute for Business & Home Safety
This is a blog post for Real Estate Professionals, Investors, Landlord, Property Manager, and Property Management Companies. Guide for securing water heaters to prevent damage to real estate property during earthquake is brought to you by SimplifyEm Pay Rent Online and Property Management SoftwareYou might also want to read:
- Guide for securing large appliances to prevent damage to real estate property during earthquake During earthquakes movement of large appliances can cause damage not only to personal property or real estate property but they can also cause injuries to residents and tenants. Homeowners, property......
- Guide for securing freestanding cabinets to prevent damage to real estate property during earthquake In an earthquake, the actual movement of the ground is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most casualties result from falling objects and debris from buildings or other......
- Guide for securing bookcases, shelves to prevent damage to real estate property during earthquake In an earthquake, items such as bookcases can topple over and cause injury or damage to other items in the room. To secure wooden bookcases to a wall: Choose between......
