A full water heater is heavy, and in a seismic event it can topple, rupture gas and water lines, and cause a fire or flood. Straps are cheap insurance — here is what Harrisburg homeowners should know.
Why strapping matters
An unstrapped water heater can tip during ground movement, tearing the gas line and spilling water everywhere. Strapping the tank to the wall keeps it upright and keeps the connections intact.
What the straps do
Straps wrap around the upper and lower thirds of the tank and anchor into wall studs. The upper strap keeps the top from pulling away, and the lower strap keeps the base from sliding.
Do the straps meet code?
Local code specifies the strap placement and hardware. In many areas, two straps are required, and flexible gas and water connectors are recommended so the tank can move slightly without breaking a line.
Other safety upgrades
Beyond straps, a seismic shutoff valve on the gas line automatically stops the flow during strong shaking. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older city rowhomes have aging supply lines A Harrisburg pro can advise which upgrades make sense for your area.
A small job with big payoff
Strapping a water heater is quick and inexpensive compared with what a tipped tank can cause. Call 888-217-3585 and Harrisburg Plumbing Experts will match you with a Harrisburg pro who installs it to code.
Plumbing in Harrisburg: what to know
In Harrisburg, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older city rowhomes have aging supply lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Dauphin County — from Lemoyne, Camp Hill and New Cumberland to ZIP codes like 17120, 17102, 17103 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Harrisburg?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Harrisburg Plumbing Experts will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Harrisburg.