Questions and answers

How do I raise my water heater?

How do I raise my water heater?

Gas or electric water heaters

  1. Start by turning off power to the water heater at the circuit breaker.
  2. Find the access panel for the thermostat(s) and use a screwdriver to remove the panel.
  3. Peel back the insulation.
  4. Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust the thermostat up or down.

Can one person install a water heater?

Generally a homeowner can replace an existing water heater themselves, but should obtain a permit. The safest way to know what your local building department requires is a quick call or visit to the department.

Can I lay a water heater on its side for transport?

Water heaters can be transported horizontally or laying down on their side. Care must be taken to place it on a flat surface and nothing can be stacked on top of it. Straps must be placed in the right place.

How heavy is a full water heater?

Tank-style water heaters weigh an average of 150 pounds empty, but it varies by size. On average, tank-style water heaters weigh 2.6 pounds per gallon of capacity. Tankless water heats are significantly lighter, averaging 27 pounds. And, under the sink water heaters weigh an average of 32 pounds.

How heavy is an empty 40 gallon water heater?

about 120 pounds
An average water heater of 40 gallons will weigh about 120 pounds.

Do water heaters need to be raised?

Water heaters only need to be raised (per code) if they are using an ignitable fuel source (gas, propane, etc). And even then, the code is that the ignition mechanism is what needs to be raised. If your water heater is electric or a heat pump, no need to raise it per code.

Can you put water heater on bricks?

I always put water heaters up on a couple bricks or patio blocks (2x8x16″ concrete blocks). But most of the houses I work in are older and tend to have water issues – so keeping it a few inches off the ground is always a good idea.

Can a hot water heater fit in a car?

If you own a mid-sized car or larger, you should be able to safely transport a tankless water heater up to a small 30-gallon water heater. For some larger 40 or 50-gallon water heaters, ideally, you’ll need an SUV or a pickup truck.

Why can’t you lay a water heater on its side?

In certain situations, the hot water heater may need to be laid on its side. If the hot water heater is not properly moved while in a horizontal position, the metal casing could become damaged or the glass lining could crack.