Is Your Plumbing Earthquake Ready?

Remember those earthquake drills you had in school? As your teacher might have told you, Utah's Wasatch Front sits along the Wasatch Fault, which is overdue to produce a major earthquake ("The Big One") at any time. While homeowners often focus on securing furniture and stocking emergency supplies, one crucial aspect of preparedness is often overlooked: plumbing.

A major earthquake can wreak havoc on a home’s water system, leading to broken pipes, water leaks, sewage backups, and even a lack of clean drinking water. The good news is that there are proactive steps you can take to minimize damage and keep your plumbing system functioning after a quake. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Risks to Your Plumbing

During an earthquake, the intense shaking can put tremendous stress on a home’s plumbing. Here are some of the most common risks:

• Water Heater Damage: A toppling water heater can rupture gas and water lines, creating both flooding and fire hazards.

• Burst Pipes: Rigid water supply lines may crack or break under seismic movement.

• Sewer Line Breaks: Ground shifts can crack or misalign sewer lines, leading to blockages and sewage leaks.

• Gas Line Leaks: If your home has gas-powered appliances, a broken gas line is a serious hazard that can lead to fires or explosions.

• Loss of Water Supply: A significant earthquake can damage city water mains, cutting off access to fresh water for days or even weeks.

Being aware of these risks is the first step in protecting your home from costly and hazardous plumbing damage.

How to Earthquake-Proof Your Plumbing

1. Secure Your Water Heater

Water heaters are one of the most vulnerable parts of a home’s plumbing system during an earthquake. If your water heater falls over, it can rupture water and gas lines. Do the following to prevent this:

• Install seismic straps to secure the water heater to wall studs.

• Ensure the water and gas lines are flexible to allow for movement.

• Place a drip pan underneath to catch any minor leaks or spills.

• Consider installing an earthquake shutoff valve to automatically stop the gas flow if shaking is detected.

2. Upgrade to Flexible Pipe Connections

Rigid plumbing connections are more likely to break under seismic stress. Replacing them with flexible connections can significantly reduce damage. Consider these upgrades:

• Water supply lines: Flexible braided steel hoses are a better option than traditional rigid copper or PVC.

• Gas lines: Use flexible, earthquake-rated gas connectors to minimize breakage risk.

• Sewer and drain pipes: Modern PVC or ABS pipes have some flexibility and are less likely to crack compared to older cast iron pipes.

• Toilet and sink connections: Installing flexible tubing in bathrooms and kitchens can prevent leaks and ruptures.

3. Know Where Your Shutoff Valves Are

In the aftermath of an earthquake, knowing how to quickly shut off your water and gas supply can prevent further damage.

• Locate your main water shutoff valve and ensure all family members know how to turn it off.

• If you have a gas line, install an automatic seismic gas shutoff valve that will cut off gas flow if a quake is detected.

• Keep a wrench or shutoff tool near the valve for quick access in an emergency.

4. Inspect Your Sewer Line

Sewer lines can be easily damaged by ground movement, leading to serious sanitation issues. If your home has older clay or cast iron sewer pipes, consider scheduling a camera inspection to assess their condition. Replacing fragile sewer lines with more flexible materials like PVC can prevent cracks and leaks.

Additionally, installing a backwater valve can help prevent sewage from backing up into your home in the event of a damaged main sewer line.

5. Brace and Support Exposed Pipes

If you have visible pipes in a basement or crawl space, securing them can help prevent damage. We recommend using these:

• Pipe hangers to reinforce support.

• Foam padding or rubber pipe insulation to reduce stress and movement during shaking.

• Brackets or clamps to secure pipes to walls or ceilings to minimize excessive movement.

6. Store Emergency Water

Even if your plumbing survives an earthquake intact, municipal water supplies may be disrupted. Keeping a two-week emergency water supply (one gallon per person per day) ensures your household stays hydrated and prepared.

Consider storing water in food-grade containers and rotating your supply every six months to maintain freshness. A water purification system, such as a gravity-fed filter, can also be a lifesaver if clean water becomes scarce.

7. Conduct Regular Plumbing Inspections

Preventive maintenance can make all the difference when it comes to earthquake preparedness. Have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system at least once a year to check for these conditions:

• Loose or corroded connections

• Signs of leaks or weak spots

• Potential gas line vulnerabilities

• Water pressure inconsistencies

Fixing minor issues before an earthquake strikes can reduce the risk of catastrophic damage.

What to Do After an Earthquake

Once the shaking stops, your first priority is to check your home for damage, especially your plumbing system. Here’s what to do:

• Inspect for leaks. Check under sinks, behind toilets, and around your water heater for signs of water damage.

• Smell for gas leaks. If you detect a gas odor, turn off the gas supply and leave the house immediately.

• Check water pressure. If the water pressure is unusually low or there is discoloration, your pipes may be compromised.

• Avoid using drains if you suspect sewer damage. Cracked sewer lines can cause backups inside your home.

• Turn off the main water valve if needed. If you suspect a pipe has burst, shutting off the water can prevent flooding.

• Contact a professional plumber. If you notice any damage, call a licensed plumber to inspect and repair any issues before they worsen.

• Check with local authorities. If city water lines are damaged, you may need to boil water before consuming it.

Stay Prepared for the Next Quake

Seismic activity is a reality in Utah, but taking steps now to secure your plumbing system can save you from costly repairs and major headaches. From securing your water heater to installing flexible pipe connections, small investments today can make a big difference when the next earthquake strikes.

By being proactive, you can protect your home, safeguard your water supply, and ensure your plumbing is ready to withstand whatever the Wasatch Fault may bring. Stay prepared, stay informed, and take action today to earthquake-proof your home’s plumbing system.