By MyPros Staff

In the event of a major earthquake, a falling water heater can create ruptured water lines, or gas lines, or both.  The replacement cost for a broken or crushed heater can be anywhere from $250 to upwards of $1,000, depending on the type and energy efficiency of the model you want.  Rather than wait for disaster, the best thing to do is to be prepared for an earthquake by securing your water heater to the wall.  Do so by using heavy-gauge metal strapping (not plumber's tape) at the top and bottom of the water heater.  Be sure to screw the bracing into the studs in the wall, not into the sheetrock that forms the surface of the visible wall.  That way, if there is (God forbid) a major earthquake, when the shaking is all over, you won't have to call someone for water heater repair.   Continue Reading >