Water Heater Bracing For Seismic Safety
Posted by Petra Challus on July 16, 2002 at 22:24:59:

Hi All,

I have been endeavoring to find a new residence to rent and during the process of course checked to see if the water heaters in these homes were braced for earthquake safety. Unfortunately, I found none to date that have been braced.

The California Seismic Safety Commission has released a new report which was to be viewed by the Governor on 7/11/02. While it cites the dangers involved when water heaters have lines which disconnect or the water heaters fall during an earthquake, no direct advisement was made to upgrade California codes.

At present if a person sells a home, they are required to seismically brace a water heater before the home can be sold. Water heaters are also supposed to be braced when they are newly installed. However, for individuals who rent homes or apartments there are no provisions to protect these individuals.

Inasmuch as I feel there is a disparity in the protection of individuals who rent properties versus those who are new property purchasers I made mention of a suggestion that a new California code be developed to protect this rather large group of individuals.

To me it is a win, win situation. First and foremost it protects the unitowners in preventing property loss and also protects the renters from loss of their own property, injury or possible loss of life.

Though there may not be a current California code in place which requires owners of rental units to brace their water heaters, I could well imagine a unit owner being sued by a tenant if they suffered a loss in viewing it from the point that "one should practice prudent safety measures when renting a unit to a tenant."

I hope bringing this matter to the attention of the readers of this board will motivate those who have not done water heater bracing in their own homes to get with it and if you own rental property to do more than think about doing so.

Here's the California Seismic Safety Commissions web site for your own viewing. They do have several interesting articles on the site.

Petra