Yes, you can move a hot water heater, but it's a task that requires the right tools, sufficient experience, and utmost care to ensure your safety and prevent damage to the appliance or your home.
Moving a hot water heater, whether it's relocating it within the same room, to a different part of the house, or preparing it for transport, involves a series of steps that must be followed meticulously. It's not a simple lift-and-carry operation; it requires disconnecting water and power lines, draining the tank, and then carefully managing its weight and bulk.
Key Considerations Before Moving Your Water Heater
Before attempting to move your hot water heater, it's crucial to evaluate several factors. This preparation ensures a smoother, safer, and more efficient relocation.
- Type of Water Heater:
- Tank-style heaters are heavy when empty and require careful handling. They need to be fully drained.
- Tankless water heaters are much lighter and smaller, making them easier to move, but still require precise disconnection and reconnection.
- Energy Source:
- Electric water heaters require careful disconnection from the electrical supply.
- Gas water heaters involve gas line disconnections, which are inherently more dangerous and often require a licensed professional.
- New Location Requirements:
- Ensure the new spot has appropriate plumbing connections (hot and cold water lines).
- Verify the availability of the correct power supply (electrical outlet for electric, gas line and ventilation for gas).
- Check for adequate drainage for the pressure relief valve.
- Ensure the floor can support the weight of a full water heater.
- Consider accessibility for future maintenance.
The Moving Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Moving a hot water heater involves several critical steps. This general outline applies to most tank-style heaters. Always consult your specific water heater's manual for detailed instructions.
- Preparation and Safety First:
- Turn off the water supply to the heater.
- Shut off the power supply (for electric models, trip the breaker; for gas models, turn off the gas valve).
- Allow the water to cool if possible, or proceed with extreme caution if it's still hot.
- Gather all necessary tools and safety gear.
- Drain the Water Heater:
- Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank.
- Direct the hose to a suitable drain (floor drain, utility sink, or outside).
- Open a hot water faucet in your home to break the vacuum and allow air in.
- Open the drain valve on the water heater and allow all water to empty. This can take 30-60 minutes.
- Disconnect Plumbing and Electrical/Gas Lines:
- Water Lines: Disconnect the hot and cold water pipes from the top of the heater. Be prepared for residual water.
- Electrical: Carefully disconnect the electrical wiring from the junction box, ensuring power is off.
- Gas: For gas heaters, shut off the main gas supply to the house if possible, then disconnect the gas line from the heater. This step is best left to a professional due to explosion risks.
- Secure and Move the Heater:
- Once fully drained and disconnected, secure all loose parts.
- Use a sturdy appliance dolly or hand truck to move the water heater. Enlist help as these units are heavy and awkward.
- Lift with your legs, not your back, and use proper lifting techniques.
- Installation in the New Location:
- Carefully position the heater in its new spot.
- Reconnect all plumbing, electrical, and/or gas lines following manufacturer guidelines and local codes.
- Refill the tank slowly, opening a hot water faucet to bleed air.
- Inspect for leaks.
- Restore power/gas and relight the pilot light if applicable.
- Test the unit's operation.
Essential Tools and Safety Precautions
Having the right tools and prioritizing safety are paramount when moving a hot water heater.
| Category | Essential Tools | Safety Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Draining/Piping | Adjustable Wrenches, Pipe Wrenches, Garden Hose, Buckets, Towels, Pipe Dope/Teflon Tape | Work Gloves, Safety Goggles |
| Electrical | Screwdrivers (various types), Voltage Tester | Insulated Gloves, Safety Goggles |
| Gas (Professional Recommended) | Gas Pipe Wrench, Leak Detector Spray | N/A (Professional tools/PPE) |
| Moving | Appliance Dolly/Hand Truck, Straps/Bungees | Steel-Toed Boots, Back Brace (optional), Helper |
Safety First!
As the reference states, "It can be done with the right tools and experience; you'll just have to be careful so that you don't hurt yourself nor cause damage to the water heater or your home."
- Always disconnect power and water/gas. Double-check.
- Wear appropriate safety gear (gloves, eye protection, sturdy shoes).
- Never attempt to move a full water heater. It's incredibly heavy and dangerous.
- Get help. Water heaters are bulky and heavy, even when empty. Don't try to lift or move it alone.
- Be aware of tripping hazards from hoses, tools, and pipes.
- Know your limits. If any step feels too complex or dangerous, stop and call a professional.
When to Call a Professional
While it's possible for an experienced DIYer to move an electric water heater, certain situations warrant professional assistance:
- Gas Water Heaters: Disconnecting and reconnecting gas lines requires specific expertise to prevent gas leaks, fires, or explosions. Local codes often mandate that gas work be performed by a licensed plumber.
- Lack of Experience or Tools: If you don't have the necessary tools or feel uncomfortable with any step of the process, a professional can ensure the job is done safely and correctly.
- Complex Relocation: Moving a water heater to a new location that requires significant modifications to plumbing, electrical, or gas lines is best handled by experts.
- Permit Requirements: Some jurisdictions require permits for water heater relocation or replacement, especially if it involves changes to the venting or gas lines. Professionals will be familiar with these requirements.
Moving a hot water heater is a significant undertaking, but with careful planning, the right equipment, and a focus on safety, it can be successfully accomplished.
