Emilie Meyer
Lifting a water heater into a pan can be a challenging task, especially due to the weight and bulk of the heater. The process typically involves first draining the water heater of all water, as this makes it easier to handle. It is recommended to have at least two people for this task, as it can be difficult to lift the heater without assistance. To make the process smoother, some people use a Hot Rod Hand Truck, which is designed to help with lifting water heaters and can reduce the strain on the body. Additionally, it is important to detach any pipes or earthquake straps connected to the heater before attempting to lift it, as these can obstruct the process. Once the heater is drained and detached, it can be lifted and placed onto a water heater pan, which is slid underneath the heater. This process may involve tipping the heater and adjusting its position to ensure it is securely placed on the pan. Overall, lifting a water heater into a pan requires careful planning, the right tools, and often, the help of multiple individuals.
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What You'll Learn
Drain the water heater
To drain a water heater, start by turning off the heater and the gas valve before shutting off the cold water inlet valve. This will prevent more hot water from being produced. Let the water heater cool down for 20-30 minutes. The next steps depend on whether you want to drain the water heater without a bucket or not.
If you want to avoid using a bucket, run laundry or do the dishes to use up the hot water in the tank. As there is no hot water pressure, the tank will refill with cold water, which you can then drain. Open all the hot water taps and the water heater pressure relief valve (PRV) to let air into the tank and allow it to drain faster.
If you are happy to use a bucket, hook up a garden hose to the spigot of your water heater and have the other end of the hose go outside, into a tube, or a water drain. Use a screwdriver to open the water valve to drain the water.
Once the water heater is empty, you can slide a drain pan underneath it. To do this, place a jack in a position that allows you to slide the pan in. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack. Pull the strap to raise the water heater and create enough space to slide the pan underneath. Ensure that the strap does not put pressure on the drain valve or any other items that might damage the water heater.
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Use a dolly or hand truck
Using a dolly or hand truck is a popular method for lifting a water heater into a pan. This method can be done by one person, although some recommend having a second person to help.
The Hot Rod Hand Truck is a custom-made water heater dolly that has been praised by plumbers for its ease of use, safety, and ability to save your back. It is designed to handle most of the problems that a plumber encounters when moving, lowering, or lifting residential tank water heaters from platforms and out of pans. The dolly is designed to cradle the water heater for control, stability, and comfort. It includes a strap kit, which allows the user to secure and handle the water heater during removal and installation, reducing the chances of dropping or damaging the tank. The Hot Rod Hand Truck has durable polyurethane tires on steel wheels, which require zero maintenance and offer a no-flat design.
The Hero Hand Truck is another option that has been described as "safe and effective" and "sturdy." This hand truck makes lifting easy for one person and can be used to maneuver water heaters without the need for a second person.
A third option is to use a standard furniture dolly, which can be modified to have a raised top. This allows the user to roll the water heater into the closet and slide it off.
When using a dolly or hand truck to lift a water heater into a pan, it is important to practice first on old water heaters to get a feel for the balance and leverage. It is also recommended to use a strap or belt to secure the water heater to the dolly or hand truck and to have a piece of wood or blocking the same height as the pan next to it to prevent crushing the pan.
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Detach pipes and straps
Detaching the pipes and straps connected to your water heater is an important step in preparing to lift it into a pan. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:
Firstly, identify all the pipes attached to your water heater. These pipes could be flexible hoses or soldered copper connections. Detaching these pipes is crucial because they can hinder your ability to lift and manoeuvre the heater. Use appropriate tools to carefully disconnect the pipes, ensuring that you do not damage the connections or the heater itself.
Next, focus on the earthquake straps. Earthquake straps are safety features designed to secure the water heater and prevent it from toppling over during earthquakes or other strong vibrations. These straps are typically connected to the heater and the surrounding structure. Locate these straps and proceed to carefully detach them from the heater. Again, use the correct tools to avoid any damage to the heater or surrounding fixtures.
After detaching the pipes and straps, you will need to address the water inside the heater. It is important to completely drain the water to reduce the weight and make the lifting process safer and more manageable. Attach a garden hose or any suitable pipe to the water heater's drain valve. Open the valve, allowing the water to flow out through the hose. Exercise caution during this step, as the water may be hot. Ensure that you have a helper to support the lifting process once the water is drained.
Once all the water has been drained, you and your helper can carefully lift the heater. While lifting, simultaneously slide the drain pan into position underneath the heater. Ensure that the heater is securely elevated and stable before carefully lowering it into place on the drain pan.
By following these steps, you will effectively detach the pipes and straps connected to your water heater, making it ready for safe lifting into the pan. Remember to work cautiously and seek assistance if needed to ensure a smooth and controlled process.
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Use a jack to lift the heater
Lifting a water heater into a pan can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and precautions, it can be accomplished safely and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a jack to lift a water heater into a pan:
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, such as gloves and eye protection, and that the water heater is turned off and completely drained of water. It is also recommended to have an assistant to help with the process.
First, place the jack in a position where you can still slide the pan into place. You may need to remove any side walls or obstacles that might hinder your access. Place a short 2x4 or a similar piece of wood below the jack's lift to create a stable base and spacing for the water heater. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the water heater and over the lift part of the jack, ensuring that the strap is securely tightened.
Slowly and carefully start jacking up the water heater, keeping a close eye on the strap to ensure it doesn't put pressure on the drain valve or any other components that could be damaged. Use cardboard or other protective material between the jack and the water heater to prevent any scratches or damage to the heater's surface. The jack should be stable enough to prevent the water heater from falling over.
As you continue to raise the jack, watch for any signs of strain on the water heater and ensure there is sufficient clearance above it, including for the vent pipe at the top. Once the water heater is lifted to the desired height, you can carefully slide the pan into place underneath it. Make sure the pan is properly positioned and secured before slowly lowering the water heater onto it by lowering the jack.
Always work with caution and have an assistant to help monitor the process and stabilize the water heater if needed. By following these steps and taking your time, you can safely use a jack to lift a water heater into a pan.
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Slide the pan into place
Once the water heater has been drained of all water, it is ready to be lifted and placed onto the pan. If possible, enlist the help of two or three people to help with this process. One person can slowly raise the heater using a jack, while the others slide the pan underneath.
To ensure the water heater doesn't fall over, place the jack in a position where the side walls can provide support and prevent it from toppling. You can also use cardboard to prevent any damage to the heater. Loop a ratchet strap under the backside of the heater and over the lift part of the jack, being careful to avoid putting pressure on the drain valve.
If the water heater is located in a closet, you may need to modify the space to allow for better access. Cut sheets of plywood or particleboard to fit the floor of the closet, with a semi-circle cut out to accommodate the pan. Stack the sheets so they are slightly thicker than the height of the pan.
When sliding the pan into place, first tip the water heater towards you and "walk" it back so the back legs are resting on the wood behind the pan. Straighten it up, then slide the pan into the circle cut-out. Tip the heater towards you again, so the front legs are resting in the pan, and walk it forward until all four legs are in the pan. Finally, connect the drain.
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Frequently asked questions
First, drain the water heater of all water. Then, depending on the size of the tank, enlist some helpers to lift the tank while another person slides the pan underneath.
The Hot Rod Hand Truck is a dolly that can help you lift and install water heaters. It comes with a Strap Kit, which allows you to secure and handle water heaters during removal and installation.
If your water heater is in a closet, cut sheets of plywood or particleboard that are about 2 feet square, which is the size of the floor in the closet. Stack three or four sheets so that they are slightly thicker than the height of the drain pan. Cut a circle out of each sheet that is slightly larger than the diameter of the drain pan, then cut the sheets in half. Finally, tip the water heater towards you and walk it away from you so you can place the pan underneath.
A water heater drain pan is a drip collection unit that is placed under a water heater to catch any leaks.
Detach the pipes attached to the heater and remove any earthquake straps that are connected to the heater. Drain the hot water from the heater and get someone to help you lift it.
