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DIY water heater removal. While it’s not necessarily the most difficult home improvement project, it does involve junk hauling and, right along with it, junk removal. What you should know about DIY water heater removal is that it does take quite a bit of time and won’t be easy to dispose of properly. Read on to learn more about how to go about DIY water heater removal.
Common Water Heater Failure Signs
If you’re unsure whether or not your water heater is failing it helps to look for a few telltale signs. Of course, the most obvious is that it runs (you can hear it cycle on and off) but it doesn’t actually heat the water in the tank. That could point to failing or bad heating elements. Another sign a water heater is dying is that it leaks (duh). The tank’s integrity might be compromised.
When your water heater begins to leak, you have to replace it fast. Even if you don’t need a new water heater right now, chances are you will within the next few years. Water heaters tend to last seven to 15 years. If yours is getting old, this article is also for you. Replacing a water heater isn’t difficult if you’re handy with basic tools and have a bit of experience soldering copper. --Family Handyman
Strange noises — which are caused by hardening sediment — that too is a bad sign. Or, if water does heat but no longer to the desired temperature, that also means trouble. Now, if you spot any of these problems, it’s time for a replacement.
Seminole DIY Water Heater Removal Guide
The average water heater lifespan ranges between 10 to 15 years, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. So, if it’s about a decade to a decade and a half old, it’s probably on its way out. So, exactly how do you go about the DIY water heater removal process? Just follow this guide:
- Disconnect the power. Go to the main electrical panel and shut off the breaker to the water heater, if it’s electric. Then, you can disconnect the electrical wiring. If it’s gas, shut off the supply valve and give it several minutes before you disconnect the gas line. In addition, shut off the water supply and delivery lines.
- Turn off the water supply line. Next, turn off the water supply line going into the water heater so no more water flows into the tank. Once the power is secured and the water supply shut off, go into the house and turn on all the hot water faucets. This will help drain out most of the hot water in the tank.
- Drain the tank. Use a garden hose and attach it to the drain spigot. Open the spigot and let the water drain out of the tank. (This will likely take some time.)
- Disconnect all the lines and remove the unit. Lastly, you’ll have to disconnect all lines to the appliance and then take it out of the space.
If you need water heater removal, just phone 800-433-1094 or visit AAA Rousse Services.