What are the rules in Nevada for straps on a Water Heater?
Nevada falls under the Uniform Code Section 510.5 which states “In seismic zones 3 and 4, water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Strapping shall be at points within the upper one-third (1/3) and lower one-third (1/3) of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point, a minimum distance of four (4) inches shall be maintained above the controls with the strapping.” . Tankless Water haters are bolted directly to the wall and are therefore already anchored.
Why do I have to have straps?
Tank-style water heaters weigh an average of 150 pounds empty, and gain considerable weight when filled besides the damage of what several hundred pounds of a metal cylinder could do, there is 40-50 gallons of water that could spill out and cause additional damages. That said, Fresh water after a disaster may be scarce, and provided that your Hot Water Heater remains standing upright, you will have 40-50 gallons accessible to you.
How to Strap Your Water Heater
The Uniform Plumbing Code does not require a certain size or type of strapping, however experts agree that a strapping system specifically designed for water heaters are best. These types of strapping systems are usually designed with metal straps that fit securely around the water heater and bolt to the wall framing.
There should be very little space between the water heater tank and the wall. If there is more than 1 to 2 inches, attach a wooden block (a length of 2×4 or 1×4 lumber) that spans the distance between the wall studs behind your water heater with long lag screws. This will prevent the water heater from tipping backwards.
Follow the manufacturers instructions if you have purchased a water heater strapping kit. Otherwise, wrap nylon strapping 1 ½ times around the tank. Start by placing the strapping at the back of the tank. Bring it to the front and then take it back to the wall. Secure this strapping to the wall studs or the wood block using several ¼ inch x 3 inch or longer lag screws with oversized washers. If you are securing it directly into concrete, use ¼ inch expansion bolts in place of the screws.
If you have any doubts on how to do this or feel uncomfortable with this skill set, hire a professional.