If you strap your water heater and fit it with a flexible gas supply line, you will reduce the risk of a fire or explosion from a gas leak after an earthquake. If your water heater does not have a flexible gas supply line as shown on the diagram (item "C"), contact a licensed plumber to install one.

Follow these instructions to install a water heater restraint for a water heater on a straight wall. 

1. 1.  Wrap a 1-1/2" wide, 16-gauge metal strap (A) around the top of the water heater and bolt the ends together.
2. 2.  Do the same about 1/3 of the way down the side of the water heater.
3. Take four lengths of EMT electrical conduit, each no longer than 30 inches and flatten the ends.
4. Bolt one end to the metal strap as shown (B). Screw the other end to a 2-inch by 4-inch stud in the wall using a 5/16-inch by 3-inch lag screw.