What To Do With Old Water Heaters? (Find Out Now!)

Water heaters are essential for modern life, providing hot water to bathe with or scrub the dishes. But what happens when your water heater stops working, or it is time for an upgrade? Many homeowners are left questioning what to do with an old water heater.

Functioning old water heaters can be donated to charities like Goodwill. Broken water heaters can be recycled, tossed in the trash, or reused to do DIY projects at home. Certain water heaters may be sold for scrap if they contain valuable metals like copper, steel, or brass.

Of course, before putting your water heater out for the trash or hauling your water heater to the local recycling center, it is a good idea to call ahead of time. In many areas, you’ll need to schedule a special pick-up to accommodate such a large and heavy appliance.

Before recycling your water heater, check local ordinances that may require a photo ID to recycle a water heater. Turning your old water heater into a fun planter, functional smoker, or even a solar-powered water heater is the perfect way to upcycle and reuse an otherwise wasted product.

Step 1: Locate Power Supply

An electric water heater will be connected to your electric panel, usually located in the basement or garage. Find the breaker that corresponds with the water heater and turn the breaker off.

Step 2: Confirm

Use a voltmeter by attaching the test leads to your water heater. When there is no reading across your water heater, it is safe to continue disconnection and removal.

Step 3: Remove

Using a wrench, you’ll want to disconnect the hard lines plumbed to your water heater. After disconnecting, remove the water heater in preparation for its replacement.

Recycling an old water heater is a great way to keep your old appliance out of a landfill. Often, recycling centers will disassemble the heater and use the metal and parts to create other products. Usually, a water heater contains steel and brass, which can be easily recycled and made into other components.

You’ll want to check with your local recycling centers ahead of time to ensure they have the availability and space to take a large appliance. Rules and regulations vary from state to state, with some states requiring an ID to recycle the water heater. Be sure to check your local restrictions and limitations in your particular area before driving an old water heater to your recycling center.

Those that are willing to invest a little elbow grease can end up making some cash from their broken or old water heater by scrapping the appliance for the metal parts. Many water heaters have some valuable metals, including brass and copper, that can be sold for some extra cash. Making some money from your old water heater could even help you pay for a new one.

You can use a magnet on your old water heater to confirm the heater contains valuable metals. If the magnet sticks to the heater, you have an appliance that is worth money. If the magnet does not stick, you most likely will not make much on your heater in scrap. Even if you don’t have valuable metals in your water heater, you may be able to remove the gas control valve, also called a gas regulator, and sell this item separately.

If your water heater is still in reasonable and working condition, you may donate your water heater to charity. Many homeowners simply upgrading their water heater will have an old heater that is in perfectly good shape.

Donation centers, like Goodwill, are usually willing to accept home appliances like water heaters. Be sure to contact your local Goodwill store ahead of time to arrange a drop-off. Plus, by donating your water heater, you’ll be able to claim your charitable donation on your taxes. Salvation Army centers will take used but working appliances like a water heater in some parts of the country.

Related Questions

How Much Can I Earn from a Water Heater?

Selling your water heater for scrap metal is a great way to earn some extra cash. At a traditional scrapyard, you can expect to earn between $7 and $30 for your metal. Usually, a hot water heater will provide a total of 150 pounds of metal, including steel, copper, iron, and aluminum.

Will my plumber take the water heater?

If you are simply replacing your water heater with a new model and have hired a professional plumber, there is a significant likelihood that your plumber will take the old water heater with them. Many companies include water heater disposal as part of the job. If you have hired a professional plumber, be sure to ask about how the old heater will be removed from your home.