How to Water Heater Strapping Check

A water heater that topples during an earthquake can break gas lines—creating an explosion and fire risk—and water lines, flooding your home when you're trying to deal with post-earthquake chaos. This safety check verifies that your water heater is properly secured with seismic straps anchored to wall studs. You'll inspect the straps for corrosion or looseness, verify proper placement in the upper and lower thirds of the tank, and confirm the gas line has a flexible connector that can handle seismic movement without breaking.