Seismic straps

Specific Inspection Topics Plumbing Inspections
1

I just had a realtor ask me a technicality question. They have a listing and the appraisal required seismic straps to be installed on the water heater. He says its’ in a tight closet and the seller is planning to put the straps across the front at the top third and bottom third. He is wondering if this should be acceptable.

Based upon what our state says I told him I believed it should be acceptable. Any thoughts?

507.2 Seismic Provisions. Water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Strappings shall be at points within the upper one-third and lower one-third of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point, a distance of not less than four (4) inches (9,102 mm) shall be maintained from the controls to the strapping.

2

This shows every which way to do it. http://www.seismic.ca.gov/HOG/waterheaterbracing_08-11-04.pdf

3

And Seattle says http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/Emergency/Preparedness/HazardSpecific/Earthquake/ReducingHazards/EarthquakeSafety_securingwaterheater.pdf

4

And WA State only says- “507.2 Seismic Provisions. Water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Strappings shall be at points within the upper one-third and lower one-third of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point, a distance of not less than four (4) inches (9,102 mm) shall be maintained from the controls to the strapping.”