Water heaters are great pieces of equipment that allow you to have hot water at your fingertips, but they can be heavy and bulky.
If you need to move one, you might be struggling to work out whether you’ll be able to transport it in your car, or another small vehicle.
If you find yourself wondering about this, then you’ve come to the right place!
Below is a total guide that will tell you everything you’ll need to know about transporting your water heater.
We’ll take you through the most common ways people move them, how to consider your options, and how difficult it might be for you to do so.
We’ve also made sure to include a short FAQ Section at the end of this article, to help answer any additional questions you might have.
If you’re looking for advice on moving your water heater, then read on below.
Water Heaters – What They Are & How To Move Them
A water heater is basically an appliance that heats up water before you use it.
It’s used by many households across the world, and while some people don’t even think about them, others rely on them heavily.
They’re often quite large appliances, with tanks that hold around 50-100 gallons of water each.
This means that if you want to move a water heater, you’ll need to make sure that you have enough room in your vehicle to accommodate it.
You may also want to consider where you plan to put your new water heater once you get there.
If you live in a smaller space, you may struggle to fit it into your home.
How Do People Move Their Water Heaters?
There are two main methods that people use when they move their water heaters:
1) Self-Movement
2) Hire A Professional
Let’s look at both of these options in more detail.
Self-movement
The first option is self-movement. In this case, you’re going to need to move the water heater yourself.
There are pros and cons to doing this, but it’s something that you should definitely consider.
Pros
• The biggest advantage to moving your own water heater is that you can choose exactly where you want to put it.
• If you decide to hire someone else to help you move it, then you won’t be able to decide where you want to put your water heater.
Cons
• Moving your own water heater can be very time-consuming.
• You’ll need to carry all the tools and materials needed to complete the job.
Hiring Someone Else
If you’d rather not move your water heater yourself, then you could always ask a friend or family member to help you out.
However, you shouldn’t expect much help from friends and family members.
This is because they probably aren’t going to be as motivated to help you as you would be. Instead, you’re better off hiring a professional company to help you out.
When you do this, you’ll usually pay anywhere between $50-$200 per hour.
This is why we recommend that you only go down this route if you really need to move your water heater.
Is It Difficult For Me To Move My Water Heater?
Now that we’ve looked at the different ways that people move their water heaters, let’s talk about what makes it difficult for you to move yours.
First things first, you’ll need to check if you can actually move your water heater.
Some water heaters are too big to move, so you’ll need to find out if yours fits into this category.
Secondly, you’ll need to figure out how heavy your water heater is. Obviously, the heavier your water heater is, the harder it will be to move.
Finally, you’ll need to determine whether you can transport your water heater safely.
If you’re planning to take your water heater on public transportation, then you’ll need to ensure that it doesn’t fall over during transit.
What Should I Look Out For When Moving My Water Heater?
Once you know how heavy your water heater weighs, you’ll be able to work out which way is best for you to move it.
For example, if you weigh 100 pounds, then you’ll need a car that has a weight capacity of at least 150 pounds.
If you weigh 200 pounds, then you’ll require a car that has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
You’ll also need to make sure that your vehicle is capable of transporting your water heater.
If your vehicle isn’t strong enough, then you might have problems with your water heater falling over.
So, before you start looking for a place to store your water heater, you’ll need to make sure that it can be moved safely.
Where Can I Store My New Water Heater?
Once you’ve decided where you’re going to store your new water heater, you’ll also need to think about where you’re going to put it.
For example, if you’re planning to store your water heater in a garage, then you’ll need somewhere to park it. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to park your car outside.
If you’re moving your water heater inside, then you should look for somewhere that’s well ventilated.
This is because you don’t want any moisture build-up inside your home.
How Much Does It Cost To Move A Water Heater?
Moving a water heater isn’t cheap, and it can come with its fair share of costs. In this section, we’re going to break these down.
Additional costs to moving a water heater can include:
• The cost of hiring a professional company to move your water heater for you.
• The cost of buying a truck or trailer that’s large enough to transport your water heater.
• The cost associated with storing your old water heater while you wait for it to be transported away.
The total amount that you spend depends on how long you plan to keep your old water heater stored.
Is There Any Way That I Can Save Money By Moving My Own Water Heater?
Yes, there is!
In fact, you could save yourself thousands of dollars by doing it yourself. Here’s how:
• If you have a friend who owns a pickup truck, ask them if they’d like to help you move your water heater.
This way, you won’t have to pay for a professional company to do it for you.
• If you live near a lake or river, you could use this as an opportunity to get rid of your old water heater.
By using this method, you’ll avoid paying for storage fees.
• If you own a boat, you could rent one from a local rental agency.
Then, you could tow your old water heater behind the boat.
However, you’ll need to ensure you have insurance cover for your boat.
If you’re not insured, then you could find yourself facing some hefty fines.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it!
We hope that this guide has acted as a way for you to weigh up all the options you have before you, as well as a place to warn you of some difficulties you might run into during the process.
It’s important to consider multiple different options when moving your water heater, so that you can make the process as easy as it can be.
If you still have some questions, check below for a total guide that will help answer any additional queries you might have!
We wish you the best luck in moving your water heater, whatever the reason!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Remove A Gas Water Heater?
Gas water heaters are very popular nowadays.
They offer many benefits over electric water heaters, such as lower running costs, longer life spans, and more efficient heating systems.
However, gas water heaters require regular maintenance to work properly.
If you’re thinking about replacing your current gas water heater with a new model, then you may be wondering whether you can remove your existing gas water heater without damaging it.
The most important thing to keep in mind here, is safety.
Before removing your gas water heater, you must first turn off the main valve at the top of the tank. Then, disconnect the electrical supply cable.
Next, you must shut off the gas supply at the meter box. Finally, you must turn off the pilot light. Once this is done, you can safely remove your old gas water heater.
You should also note that you cannot remove a gas water heater unless you have the proper tools.
For example, you will need a wrench to open the valves and a screwdriver to tighten them again once you’ve finished.
It might be better to seek professional help when considering removal of your gas water heater.
This would allow you to make sure that everything is done correctly and safely.
How Much Does An Electric Water Heater Cost?
Electric water heaters are great because they don’t produce harmful emissions, which makes them ideal for homes where children and pets reside.
However, they aren’t always the cheapest option available.
In fact, electric water heaters tend to cost more than their gas counterparts. But there are ways to reduce the price of an electric water heater.
For example, you can buy a cheaper model instead of a high-end unit. Also, you can install solar panels on your roof to reduce your electricity bills.
Another option is to look for a deal online. Many companies sell refurbished models for cheap prices.
Finally, you can try to negotiate the price with the seller. Most sellers are willing to cut their prices if you show interest in buying their product.
The final decision is entirely yours. There are pros and cons to each type of water heater. It’s up to you to decide what works best for your home.
What Is The Best Time Of Year For Removing A Gas Water Heater From Your Home?
You’ll want to remove your gas water heater after winter ends, but before the spring arrives. In this case, you’ll want to wait until temperatures start to rise.
This ensures that you won’t have to worry about freezing pipes (see also our guide to unfreezing your pipes) or other issues arising from cold weather conditions.
Why Should I Replace My Old Water Heater?
There are several reasons why you should replace your old water heater with a newer one. First, the older units often contain lead, which can cause health problems.
Second, the older versions of water heaters (see also ‘Water Heater Parts’) typically use less energy than newer ones. Third, the older models are usually not as safe as modern models.
Finally, a new water heater (see also ‘Should You Invest In Water Heater Booster‘) will save you money in the long term. As time goes by, you’ll find that you’re paying more and more for utilities.
By switching to a new water heater (see also ‘Water Heater for Mobile Home Guide‘), you’ll be able to lower your monthly costs significantly.
