Table of Contents
- 1 How do I extend my water heater?
- 2 How do you secure a freestanding water heater?
- 3 Do water softeners extend the life of water heaters?
- 4 How do you secure a water heater with straps?
- 5 What does it mean to double strap a water heater?
- 6 Is Soft Water Bad for water heaters?
- 7 How many straps do you need for a hot water heater?
- 8 Do you need water heater strapping for earthquake safety?
How do I extend my water heater?
8 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
- Maintenance Checks.
- Test the Pressure-Relief Valve.
- Flush the Tank.
- Check the Anode Rod.
- Inspect Gas Lines.
- Add an Expansion Tank.
- Install a Water Softener.
- Give it Space.
What is the code for strapping a water heater?
California Plumbing Code Section 507.2 requires that all water heaters shall be supported and strapped to prevent movement during an earthquake. Two metal straps, not less than 22 gauge, nor less than 5/8-inch wide shall be used.
How do you secure a freestanding water heater?
Secure your water heater.
- There should be very little space between the water heater and the wall.
- Wrap the heavy-gauge metal strapping 1½ times around the tank.
- Secure this strapping to the wall studs or the wood block using several 1/4″ x 3″ or longer lag screws with oversized washers.
Do electric water heaters need straps?
(1) All water heaters must be strapped, whether gas or electric. (2) Two straps are needed, one in the upper one-third and one in the lower one-third of the fixture. (3) Straps may consist of either plumber’s tape (at least 24 gauge) or half-inch-diameter metal conduit.
Do water softeners extend the life of water heaters?
When a water softener system is installed, it removes the “hard” minerals and replaces them with “softer” ones such as sodium. Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.
Can I use plumbers tape to strap water heater?
Note: Perforated iron strap (plumber’s tape) will not be an acceptable material for strapping or bracing water heaters over 40 gallons. Drill pilot holes on the centerline of the stud (both sides of the heater), Insert screws through punched holes in the strap. Use minimum 22 Gauge X 3/4” wide metal strap.
How do you secure a water heater with straps?
Starts here5:02How to Strap a Water Heater by GGASHI – YouTubeYouTube
Where do water heater straps go?
All water heaters must be strapped in at least two locations; the upper one-third of the unit and the lower one-third. The lower strap must be a minimum of 4″ above the water heater control unit.
What does it mean to double strap a water heater?
The double-body strap is the system of choice wherever water heater bracing is required. Plumbing of El Cajon, Calif., measures the water heater to make sure the approved strapping kit will be mounted in proper locations.
What states require double strap water heaters?
In addition to California and Alaska, areas of Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii also fall under the Uniform Codes’ seismic zones 3 and 4, where water heaters are specifically required to be anchored.
Is Soft Water Bad for water heaters?
Should I strapping my water heater to the wall?
Fresh water after a disaster may be as close as your water heater — provided, of course, it remains standing upright. You can protect this valuable resource by securing your water heater to the wall studs. Experts modified the procedure for strapping water heaters following the 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes.
How many straps do you need for a hot water heater?
Two straps are required, but there are still no specifications as to techniques and materials to be employed. However, the plumbing code, as it relates to water heater strapping, has been superseded by higher standards set forth by the California Health and Safety Code.
What are the plumbing code requirements for strapping a water heater?
Types of hardware and methods of attachment were left to the discretion of the installer. In the 1990s, strapping requirements were upgraded. According to the newer code, “strapping shall be at points within the upper one-third and lower one-third” of the water heater. To date, this is all the plumbing code has to offer on the subject.
Do you need water heater strapping for earthquake safety?
Water heater strapping for earthquake safety is a code requirement in California. Many water heaters go unsecured until the home is sold, at which time the owner is required to do the work.