Water Heater Strapping

[RSW]

FHA doesn't require strapping, must be some weird azz local building code thing, have never seen it before. In the south we follow ICC, install pressure relief tanks and double values to prevent a water heater from becoming a scud missile.

FHA requires the water heater to comply with local building codes. If the code says strapping is required then it is required.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

OK, I will beat it with a strap until it complies...LOL.

 

[residentialguy]

Please make sure you put on your badge

 

[Happy Val]

They are required in Oregon as well. Ive called FHA several times (due to Lender's wanting an actual name for the enforcement) and all have said they are required. Same with Co detectors and wood stove certifications. I'd rather just say it is or isn't and let the lender decide.

 

[CCAAMO]

Cause they fall over and roll around in the earthquake??

Bob in CO

Because of the potential of a gas leak and all the bad things that follow a gas leak.

 

[appraisalpartners]

The photos shown certainly do not meet CA requirements, see California Plumbing Code Chapter 5 section 508.2.1.

 

[hastalavista]

Cause they fall over and roll around in the earthquake??

Bob in CO

That is the reason.

 

[Smokey Bear]

I was in our townhouse/condo in Big Bear when 2 big ones hit. Some bozo decided that a closet over the landing where the stairs turned would be a great place for the water heater. It wasn't strapped and it was the only way out of the 2nd floor unless I wanted to jump. It fell out of the closet and completely blocked the stairs. Not too fun. A 7.6 at 5am, followed by a 6.5 3 hours later. I was only a mile from the epicenter of the 2nd one, so much more damage. Not a fun day.

 

[appraisalpartners]

The purpose of the dual straps is to prevent water heater tanks from breaking away from gas lines and creating natural gas leaks which may result in explosion and fire.

 

[Restrain]

In the FWIW category, had an UW, obviously from CA, come back and want to know if the water heater in the home in Texas had earthquake straps and wanted photos. Wife wrote back and stated that the only WH seen here with straps were in manufactured homes since they were supposed to move. Didn't hear anything else from them.