To earthquake-proof kitchen appliances, keep heavy units from tipping or sliding, and make sure the gas, water and power lines behind them can flex instead of snapping. Most of this takes an afternoon.
In this post:
- •The range anti-tip bracket isn't engaged
- •The refrigerator isn't strapped
- •A gas appliance is on a rigid or old connector
- •You don't know where the gas shutoff is
- •Washer hoses are old rubber
- •Stacked or countertop units can slide
- •Cords and water lines are pulled tight
1. The range anti-tip bracket isn't engaged
Freestanding ranges come with a bracket that holds a rear leg to the floor or wall. It's often left in the box.
How to tell: With the oven cool and empty, grip the back of the cooktop and tilt it forward gently. If the rear lifts, the bracket isn't holding.
What to do: Slide the range back until the rear leg sits under the bracket. If it's missing, order the one made for your model. On a gas range, don't pull the unit out far enough to strain the gas connector; have a technician fit the bracket.
2. The refrigerator isn't strapped
A loaded fridge is tall and top-heavy, and strong shaking can walk it out of its alcove.
How to tell: Push on a top corner. If the fridge rocks, it can move in a quake.
What to do: Use appliance straps screwed into studs, with enough slack to pull the fridge out for coil cleaning.
3. A gas appliance is on a rigid or old connector
Gas ranges and dryers should connect through a flexible appliance connector that can give when the unit shifts. Old uncoated brass connectors are a known hazard.
How to tell: A rigid pipe straight into the appliance, or a dull brass-colored corrugated line, needs a professional's eyes.
What to do: Have a licensed pro inspect or replace it. Don't disconnect gas lines yourself.
4. You don't know where the gas shutoff is
After strong shaking, nobody wants to be hunting for the meter with a flashlight.
How to tell: If you can't point to the shutoff valve at your gas meter right now, you're not ready.
What to do: Find it today and keep an adjustable wrench near the meter. Turn the gas off only if you smell gas or hear it escaping, and only if it's safe to do so. Often there's no need to shut it off at all. Once it's off, leave it off: your gas utility (SoCalGas for most of LA County) turns service back on and relights pilots.
5. Washer hoses are old rubber
A brittle hose can burst in the shaking and keep running until someone closes the valve.
How to tell: Bulges, cracks or a stiff, chalky feel near the ends.
What to do: Switch to braided stainless hoses and leave a few inches between the washer and the wall.
6. Stacked or countertop units can slide
A stacked dryer sits on its washer by weight alone unless it's locked down, and countertop microwaves have no anchoring at all.
How to tell: Push gently on the top unit. Any shift means it isn't locked in place.
What to do: Install the manufacturer's stacking kit, and keep countertop microwaves on deep, low surfaces away from the edge.
7. Cords and water lines are pulled tight
A unit that shifts a few inches can yank a tight cord or pull a water line off its fitting.
How to tell: A cord stretched to its outlet, or ice maker tubing pulled straight behind the fridge.
What to do: Leave a loose loop of slack, and replace cracked plastic ice maker tubing with a braided line.
When a technician is the better call
Gas connectors, moving a gas range and hard-wired equipment are jobs for a professional. If a range sits crooked or won't slide under its bracket, our range repair technicians can set it right. If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas utility or 911 from outside.
Southern California note
Quakes here come without warning, so this is work for an ordinary weekend, not the day after. Once it's done, keep our appliance checks for after an earthquake handy.
Marco's advice: Do the anti-tip test tonight. It takes seconds, and a range that isn't caught by its bracket is one of the most common gaps I find, even in well-kept kitchens.
Questions about securing your appliances? Call ProFix LA at (818) 334-4526.