Because most gas and water lines are rigid, they can be torn from their connection points during an earthquake. The results could include not only serious damage to your property but also injury to landlords, rental property owners, real estate owners and tenants. A broken gas line is especially serious because of the potential for a fire or even an explosion.
One way to prevent broken gas and water lines is to have flexible connection pipes installed between appliances and their supply lines. A licensed contractor can usually do this for landlords, rental property owners, real estate owners and tenants easily.
BENEFITS OF UTILIZING THIS MITIGATION STRATEGY
- Helps to prevent tearing of gas and water lines from their connections
- Helps to prevent serious damage to a structure
- Helps to prevent fires or explosions
- Helps to prevent injuries to occupants
TIPS
Keep these points in mind when you have flexible connections installed:
- Changes to the gas lines and plumbing in your property must be done by a licensed contractor, who will ensure that the work is done correctly and according to all applicable codes. This is important for your safety.
- A flexible connection will help protect against a small amount of movement but is not designed to function when the appliance it is connected to moves extensively or falls. So you should also consider anchoring the appliance to the floor or wall.
ESTIMATED COST
Having a flexible connection installed on a furnace or another large appliance will cost approximately $75.
SOURCE: FEMA.gov
