First of all, because it’s California state law. It’s true, and it makes sense. Besides great weather, superb wines and Hollywood, California is certainly known for its earthquakes. And because of that, California state law requires that any new or used water heater sold on or after July 1, 1991 to be strapped securely to a wall.

NO exceptions are allowed for any home, public building or multi-family property, including office buildings, apartment or condominium complexes or public spaces. Why? Because if an earthquake hits and that water heater falls over, there’s a serious potential for both water damage and a fire that could endanger the building and people in it, who may be trapped by debris or unconscious after the quake. [Read more…]