I’ll take a strap to you!

It was required, It was not enforced and now you get to deal with it. Luckily it is not a big deal to correct.

Here is a great example of where code and enforcement collide head on with future consequences.

What is this? It the seismic restraints on water heaters. Here in Chelan County there was a period of time that seismic restraint of Water Heaters were not enforced. It has been required by the code for quite some time but now It will most likely come up in your appraisal when you are looking to buy a home in Chelan County.

For a little history, on December 14, 1872 there was an earthquake that was estimated to be between 7 to 8 on the Richter Scale.  The epicenter was believed to be north of Lake Chelan. This created a huge landslide, fissuring and a 27 foot geyser. So we are in a region that most definitely could be affected by earthquakes.

I have reporting missing restraints during my home inspections for some time now, but now we have appraisers do the same thing and they have a bit more influence on things, like getting your loan.

All water heaters must be strapped in at least two locations; the upper one-third of the unit and the lower one-third. The lower strap must be a minimum of 4" above the water heater control unit. The required clearances from a wall to the heater as stated on the unit nameplate are critical.

Both the Residential code and the plumbing code are very similar on their requirement-

The IRC state this-

M1307.2 Anchorage of appliances.

Appliances designed to be fixed in position shall be fastened or anchored in an approved manner. In Seismic Design Categories D1 and D2, water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement caused by earthquake motion. Strapping shall be at points within the upper one-third and lower one-third of the appliance’s vertical dimensions. At the lower point, the strapping shall maintain a minimum distance of 4 inches (102 mm) above the controls.

The UPC state this-

508.2 In seismic design categories C, D, E, and F, 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 distance of not less than four (4) inches (102 mm) shall be maintained above the controls with the strapping.

New “Risk-Targeted” Seismic Maps Introduced into Building Codes-

http://www.nehrp.gov/pdf/SeismicWavesJun12.pdf

Secure your water heater Washington State Preparedness-

http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/documents/prep_home_water_heater.pdf

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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