Here’s an important seller’s tip: securing a water heater is required in most Western states. Since an earthquake can toss these appliances around, lawmakers now require them to be strapped down securely enough to withstand this disaster.

Water heaters are relatively easy to secure by using a DIY strapping kit purchased from a local hardware store. This kit normally contains either metal or nylon straps that go around both the top and bottom of a water heater tank. These kits also contain tension bolts, washers, spacers and screws to aid in wall attachment. Retailers offer different sized kits to accommodate different sizes of tanks.

Installation begins with securing one end of each strap to the wall. If the wall is concrete, this could involve drilling into the concrete and then installing concrete anchors. Water heaters that are quite a distance from the wall could require the placement of wooden blocks on them.

If you wrap the straps at least one full rotation around the water heater tank you will insure its stability. Begin at the back of the tank and then wrap towards the front. Once this is accomplished, tighten the straps down so that the water heater does not rock back and forth when pressed on from either side.

In addition to straps, a water heater should also contain flexible hoses. Made from coiled stainless steel, they flex whenever the appliance is shifted from side to side. They prevent the additional damage that could come from a broken hose or gas line.

Laws in earthquake-prone states mandate this seller’s tip: securing a water heater is required before placing your property on the market. A home inspection should include checking the water heater to insure its safety in the event of an earthquake. Securing a water heater is easy to do, and provides peace of mind for everyone involved.