Habitat - Deconstruction - Remove Water Heater

This Habitat for Humanity "deconstruction" video demonstrates a quick and easy method for removing a gas water heater. (electric heater process is similar.) The required tools are: two crescent wrenches, a hacksaw and a 1/4" nut driver.

The primary safety issues here are: 1) presence of gas lines; 2) risk of injury due to lifting; 3) possible hot water hazard.

Before removing a heater we confirm that it is a relatively new item. (We typically look for heaters less than 6-8 years in age.) Sometimes the date of mfg. is on the nameplate. But in most cases we just make a judgement based on physical appearance and an assessment of: "will it sell in our outlet stores?" Another sign that a heater is undesirable is that it may not drain freely. This means it has considerable sediment inside the tank. We just leave these alone and move on to other salvage items.

The average time to remove a water heater is 5 minutes.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Habitat
• deconstruction
• water
• heater
• removal
• salvage

[Jayzc66]

Mine made this hissing noise this morning just glad i was awake!...it then started leaking hot water what do you think was the problem?...why did it happen that way!?

[philbucher]

@Jayzc66 Your heater is shot! The tank has rusted through, and you need a new water heater. Call a plumber.

[Jayzc66]

@philbucher Thanks Pil very much! for the quik response!

[saturnianspire]

Awesome video. I learned a lot from this.

[xqin74]

Very helpful video to show how to replace water heaters. Thank you!

[dmiller531]

Exhaust bonnet or Draft diverter