The contractor who installed your new unit might offer disposal, but often for a premium fee. You can save money by dismantling it for scrap, recycling it, or donating it. If you are handy, you might even repurpose the tank for a backyard project.
In this article, we will guide you through how to safely remove and dispose of your old water heater, including options for recycling and repurposing.
Key Takeaways
- Safety First: Always disconnect the power (gas or electric) and fully drain the tank before attempting to move it.
- Recycling Options: You can take the unit to a recycling center, schedule a bulk pickup with your city, or donate working units to charity.
- Scrap for Cash: Disassemble the heater to sell copper, brass, and steel components to local scrap yards.
- Repurpose It: Creative DIYers can turn old tanks into smokers, solar heaters, or garden planters.
How To Remove an Old Water Heater
Before you can scrap or recycle the heater, you have to get it out of your house safely. This is heavy work, so grab a partner if possible.
1. Cut the Power Supply
Safety is the priority here. You must disconnect the energy source before touching anything else.
Gas Water Heaters
Locate the gas shut-off valve on the supply pipe leading to the heater. Turn the lever 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe. This cuts the gas flow.
Electric Water Heaters
Go to your main circuit breaker panel. Find the breaker labeled “Water Heater” and flip it to the “Off” position. If the circuit isn’t labeled, use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is truly off at the unit.
Remove the access cover on the heater and test the wires. If the voltmeter shows no reading, you are safe to proceed. If you are uncomfortable working with electricity, stop and call a professional.
2. Drain the Tank
Water is heavy, so you need the tank empty. Locate the cold water inlet valve at the top of the tank and turn it off.
Next, go into your house and open the hot water faucets in your sinks and tubs. This breaks the vacuum seal in the pipes and prevents air lock, allowing the tank to drain smoothly.
Attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater. Run the other end to a floor drain or out into the driveway. Open the drain valve carefully. Be cautious, as the water coming out may still be scalding hot.
3. Disconnect and Remove
Once empty, use a pipe wrench to disconnect the water lines and the vent pipe (for gas units). If the pipes are soldered copper, you may need a hacksaw to cut them free.
Tilt the heater onto a heavy-duty appliance dolly. Strap it in securely. These units can weigh 150 pounds or more, so move slowly to avoid injury or damage to your home.
Recycling and Disposal Options
Once the heater is out of the house, you need to decide where it goes. Here are your best options:
1. Recycling Centers
Most metal recycling facilities will accept water heaters. They shred the units to recover steel, copper, and brass.
Some centers pay a small amount based on the weight of the steel, while others may charge a nominal fee for drop-off. Call ahead to check their policies. You will likely need a valid ID, as scrap theft laws are strict in many states.
2. Municipal Bulk Pickup
Check your local waste management website. Many cities offer “bulk waste” pickup days once a month or by appointment. This is often free or included in your utility bill. You typically just haul the unit to the curb on the designated day.
3. Donate to Charity
If you replaced the heater for a remodel but it still works perfectly, don’t trash it. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity ReStore often accept building materials and appliances in good condition. You help a good cause and get a tax deduction receipt in return.
4. Scrap It Yourself
If you want to maximize the cash value, strip the valuable metals off the unit yourself before taking it to the yard.
- Test with a magnet: If the magnet sticks, it is steel (ferrous). If it does not stick, it is likely copper or brass (non-ferrous), which are worth more.
- Harvest the copper: Cut off any copper piping and pull the internal heating elements if they are copper.
- Grab the brass: Remove the drain valve and other fittings if they are brass.
- Gas valves: On gas units, the control valve often contains aluminum and mixed metals that can be sold.
5. Junk Removal Services
If you lack a truck or the physical ability to move the tank, hire a service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK or a local hauler. They will enter your home, carry the unit out, and handle the recycling for you. This costs money, but it is the most convenient option.
6. Online Marketplaces
List the unit on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. If it works, list it for a low price. If it is broken, list it as “Free Scrap Metal.” Scrappers constantly patrol these sites looking for free appliances to pick up.
Reinvent Your Old Water Heater
If you are a DIY enthusiast, that steel tank is a blank canvas. Here are a few creative ways to repurpose it:
1. Build a Smoker or Grill
The thick steel walls of a water heater are perfect for retaining heat. This is a classic welding project.
Clean the tank thoroughly (ensure no glass lining insulation remains) and cut it to size. You can mount it horizontally for a classic offset smoker or vertically for a drum smoker. Add hinges, a grate, and a chimney. It is durable and works better than cheap store-bought smokers.
2. Create a Solar Water Heater
If the tank itself does not leak, you can strip the insulation and paint it matte black to absorb heat. Encase it in a glazed box to trap solar energy. This “batch heater” can pre-heat water before it enters your main system, significantly lowering your electric or gas bill.
3. Make a Garden Planter
Cut the tank in half lengthwise or crosswise to create industrial-style planters. They are deep enough for root vegetables or small trees. You can paint them to match your patio decor or let them rust slightly for a rustic look. Just remember to drill drainage holes in the bottom.
FAQs
Are Water Heaters Recyclable?
Yes, almost 100% of a water heater is recyclable. The tank is primarily steel, while the fittings and internal components often contain copper and brass. Recycling centers shred these units to recover the metal, keeping it out of landfills and reducing the need for new mining.
Can You Scrap a Water Heater?
Absolutely. Scrapping is one of the most common ways to dispose of a water heater. You can sell the whole unit as “light iron” or “shredder steel.” For a higher payout, dismantle the unit to separate the more valuable copper and brass fittings from the steel tank.
Do Old Water Heaters Have Copper?
Yes, specifically electric models. The internal heating elements are often sheathed in copper. Additionally, the connecting pipes and pressure relief valves are frequently copper or brass. Gas heaters usually have less copper but still contain valuable metal in the control valve and fittings.
Are Old Hot Water Heaters Worth Anything?
Yes, but don’t expect to get rich. The scrap value typically ranges between $7 and $30 depending on current metal prices and the weight of the unit. You will earn the higher end of that range if you separate the non-ferrous metals (copper/brass) from the steel tank.
How Much Does an Empty Hot Water Heater Weigh?
An average residential 50-gallon tank water heater weighs roughly 150 pounds when empty. Older models tend to be heavier due to thicker steel and sediment buildup inside the tank. Tankless models are much lighter, usually weighing between 30 and 50 pounds.
Can You Cut Up a Hot Water Heater?
Yes, you can cut up a water heater using a reciprocating saw (Sawzall) or a circular saw with a metal-cutting blade. This is often necessary if you need to fit the unit into a smaller vehicle. Always wear eye protection, heavy gloves, and long sleeves, as the process creates sharp edges and hot metal sparks.
How Do You Lift a Water Heater By Yourself?
It is risky to lift a water heater alone. If you must do it, use an appliance dolly with a strap. Tilt the heater back onto the dolly rather than trying to deadlift it. If you need to get it up stairs, hire a professional or get a second person to help; gravity makes solo stair moves dangerous.
Do Hot Water Heaters Need to be Transported Upright?
New water heaters should be transported upright to prevent damage to the glass lining or internal baffles. However, if you are disposing of an old unit, you can lay it on its side in your vehicle without worry since it is heading to the scrap yard anyway.
What Is the Best Way to Scrap a Water Heater?
The most efficient way is to take it to a local metal recycling center. If you want convenience, leave it on the curb for local scrappers (if legal in your HOA/city) or hire a junk removal service. If you want maximum profit, strip the copper and brass yourself before hauling the steel shell to the yard.
Can I Put a Water Heater in the Dumpster?
No, you generally cannot put a water heater in a standard residential dumpster or trash bin. Local landfills ban large appliances (white goods) from regular trash streams due to their size and the materials they contain. You must arrange for bulk pickup or take it to a transfer station.
How Much Does It Cost to Dispose of a Water Heater?
Costs vary by method. Dropping it off at a scrap yard usually earns you money. Municipal bulk pickup might be free or cost a small fee ($20-$50). Hiring a professional junk removal service is the most expensive option, typically costing between $75 and $150 depending on your location and the difficulty of removal.
