Water heater with earthquake strappingIf you are a Carlsbad home owner selling your home (and elsewhere in California), you need to be strapped in. It’s the law.

This is NOT about your seatbelt strap, as you may have thought, but about your water heater.

You may not be aware of this, nor thinking about it, but California law requires that your hot water heater (under 120 gallons) be strapped in using approved strapping (there are a couple of different types) in the event of an earthquake. And as a home seller you must certify in writing to the buyer that you are in compliance.

The law does not appear to apply to tankless water heaters which are bolted down in other ways if they are installed correctly, and thus have no tank that can tip over.

The problem is not just a falling tank (a 50 gallon tank filled with water is about 400 lbs), but the threat of fire or explosion due to damage to the gas line.

Here is some more of the technical information on the proper installation (that can be done by any licensed plumber).

Some local ordinances are stricter than California law so be sure to check when completing this state-wide disclosure.

A statewide form, C.A.R. Form WHSD should be signed by both seller(s) and buyer(s) and submitted to escrow prior to closing.

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6 Comments on Carlsbad Home Sellers - Are You Strapped In?

Well I'll be....learn something new every day. But, it makes sense where you are, I just had not heard of it before. I grew up in Paducah, Ky and it was on a fault there and who had to learn how to turn off all the gas. Quickly.

03/19/2008 05:39 PM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor)

Jeff, maybe it is just me but that seems to really be an over kill.  Hot water heaters are connected to pipes which hold them in place pretty tight, and I have never heard of one falling over if it is installed correctly.

03/19/2008 09:16 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)

Hi Jeff. I wish I could think of these things,( topics ) LOL. This may seem elementary yet provides people a  clear explanation of something that they  need to know and understand. Yet , everyday we see that they don't all " get it". 

I guess George hasn't been in an earthquake. But most homeowners haven't either. Thinking of the weight of water, they just couldn't image that the tank could fall over. Or that gasoline fumes from a car in the garage could be ignited by the pilot light of the water heater and create an explosion or a fire.   

An excellent choice of topics for our consumers.

03/20/2008 03:02 AM by San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-PRO (RE/MAX Associates)

Missy - well it was new to me here, too. But it sure makes sense, especially since there have been significant problems in the past. One more things for homeowners to be aware of.

Jeff 

03/21/2008 08:57 AM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

George - apparently there are documented examples of problems with water heaters and gas lines with severe shaking, but I don;t know the history. Anyhow, it isn't a big deal to take care of. And for folks in other parts of the country without earthquakes it will seem to be overly precautionary.

Jeff 

03/21/2008 09:01 AM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Thanks, William. As you are well are it if jsut another in the long list of disclosures and pieces of paper that becomes part of the file. At least not all homes require the lead paint disclosure.

Jeff 

03/21/2008 09:03 AM by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

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Real Estate Agent: Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)
Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate
Carlsbad, CA
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