How To Get Rid Of Your Old Water Heater

How to Remove and How To Get Rid Of Your Old Water Heater?

Say goodbye to your outmoded water heater and make room for a brand-new, efficient model! Replacing an old unit or upgrading your current one doesn’t have to be a chore. This blog has all the information needed to safely and effectively remove your water heater. From detaching the fuel source to disposing of it properly, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started and exchange that obsolete relic for a modern-day era of hot showers!

How to Remove a Water Heater?

For a safe removal process, it’s important to shut off the fuel supply of your water heater. Whether it runs on gas or electricity, here are the steps for each.

For a gas water heater, locate the shut-off valve on the unit’s gas supply line and turn it perpendicular to the gas line. Some newer valves may have “on” and “off” settings for ease of use. Double-check that the pilot light is off before continuing.

To turn an electric water heater off, start by flipping the power switch off at the circuit breaker. As most units are hardwired into the electrical system, you must access the electrical junction box and find any connections. Unscrew and remove any wire nuts connecting them, and then cover any loose wires with new wire nuts.

Next, shut off the water supply to your heater. Typically, this shut-off valve can be found at the top of its tank and inlet piping. This valve is generally red, though it may come in various hues.

Draining your water heater is essential, given the extra weight of a full tank—approximately 8.3 pounds per gallon in addition to its own heft. To start the process, shut off the shut-off valve to prevent any new water from entering and attach a hose to the drain valve found at the bottom of your unit.

How to Remove a Water Heater

Place one end of the hose over a floor drain or out of an exterior window. This will enable you to dispense the entire contents of the tank by completely opening up the drain valve, typically taking no more than 10 minutes depending on its size.

Your now-empty tank is ready to be taken out of your plumbing system. There are more disconnections that need to be done before it is completely removed.

This connection allows for freshwater to enter your hot water tank, typically found on top of it.

For gas water heaters, the fuel supply is typically located near the bottom of the tank and appears as a gas supply line. Electrical units, on the other hand, will have an electrical plug in their place.

The hot water outlet is where the heated water exits your water heater and can generally be found next to the cold water inlet.

If you’re using a gas system, keep in mind that ventilation tubes might also need to be disconnected.

Detach all connections from your tank and enlist help to move it out with a dolly, as it is quite heavy. Secure the unit to the platform and transport it away securely without any risk of injury or damage!

How to Dispose of a Water Heater?

Donating Old Water Heaters

Why not think about giving away the old hot water heater if it’s still functional if you’re in the fortunate situation of needing to upgrade? It might still have a little life in it that someone else could use.

Goodwill is an excellent option for donating your old water heater. If it is still functional, they could either use it themselves or point you in the direction of someone who might need it.

Donating Old Water Heaters

Giving away your old water heater has benefits for both you and the recipients. They can receive what they require from it while also preventing it from ending up as scrap metal. You can simultaneously carry out a nice deed and get rid of anything from your life that is no longer necessary.

Ensure your old water heater is given a new lease of life by making some calls to find out if organizations or individuals would benefit from having it. Giving away something that’s no longer of use to you is not only smart and environmentally sound but also provides an opportunity for someone else to make the most of it.

Heading to the Recycling Center 

A hot water heater that is no longer in use and is merely taking up space is a great candidate for the recycling facility. Your water heater can be recycled safely, as can other aged gadgets and appliances.

Depending on where you reside, you might be fortunate to find a recycling facility that does rubbish removal. Depending on the current market cost, some centres may even offer you anything in return for your used metal products and appliances. The disposal of water heaters can, however, be subject to a fee.

The cost of these services is dependent on where you live and the demand for recycled water heaters. Although recycling centers are usually the more suitable option than taking it to a landfill, there may be certain occasions where this isn’t applicable.

By selecting the recycling center option, you can be sure that your old hot water heater will be disposed of correctly, potentially earning some money or preventing landfill waste.

Heading to the Landfill 

Taking your old water heater to the dump can be the only choice left if you’ve tried every alternative approach and none of them have worked. It may be the only option in some circumstances, even if it may not be the most environmentally friendly.

Heading to the Landfill 

Your local junkyard may be the best way to dispose of your water heater; some offer recycling services to help the environment, while others may simply dispose of them. It is worth inquiring if no fees are required for either option.

Heading to the landfill should not be taken as a first resort; it is best to look into other alternatives, such as waste recycling centers and charitable organizations that may take your old unit. Doing this will help you avoid having to throw away something that could still be of use elsewhere.

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Hudson
Hudson
We operate throughout the Greater London Metropolitan Area for waste clearance service.