Lifting A Water Heater: Using A Pan For Easy Installation

If you have a water heater at home, it is a good idea to have a drain pan underneath to catch any leaks. Installing a water heater pan can be done in several ways, but it is important to take precautions and follow the correct steps to avoid damage or injury. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to lift a water heater into a pan safely and effectively.

Turn off the water supply

Before attempting to lift your water heater into a pan, it is important to turn off the water supply to avoid leaks and water damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to turning off the water supply:

• Locate your water heater: Water heaters are typically found in utility closets, garages, or attics.
• Turn off the water supply valve: The water supply valve is usually located near or at the top of the water heater. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops to shut off the water supply.
• Turn off the main water supply: For added safety, it is recommended to turn off the main water supply to your house. The main water valve is typically located in front of the house, just below the garden hose faucet. Turn this valve clockwise until the water shuts off.
• Drain the water heater: Before lifting the water heater into the pan, it is crucial to drain all the water from the storage tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain faucet at the bottom of the water heater. Place the other end of the hose in a lower location where it can safely drain. Open the drain faucet and a hot water faucet in the house to allow air to enter the water heater as it drains.

By following these steps, you will successfully turn off the water supply to your water heater and prevent any water leaks during the lifting process. Remember to turn off the electricity or gas supply to the water heater as well, depending on its power source. Always prioritize safety when working with any plumbing or electrical systems.

Drain the water heater

To drain the water heater, start by turning off the water supply to the heater. If you have an electric heater, turn off the power at the breaker box. For a gas heater, turn the thermostat to the "pilot" setting.

Next, attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Place the other end of the hose in a floor drain or outside so that it can drain safely. Alternatively, you can use a bucket to collect the water, but be cautious as the water will be hot.

Open a hot water tap near the water heater to relieve pressure in the system and aid in quick drainage. Then, open the drain valve and allow the water to drain from the tank. Once the tank is empty, briefly turn on the cold water supply to stir up any remaining sediment. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.

Finally, close the drain valve, remove the hose, and turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank. Go back to the hot water tap you opened earlier and turn it off once cold water begins to flow. For a gas heater, turn the valve back on from the pilot position. For an electric heater, turn the power back on.

Get help to lift the heater

Lifting a water heater is not an easy task, so it's important to get some help. The average residential water heater weighs about 150 pounds when empty, while larger commercial water heaters can weigh upwards of 500 pounds. When you add the weight of water and sediment buildup, a 40-gallon residential water heater can weigh more than 400 pounds.

To lift a water heater, you will need at least one other person to help you. If your water heater is bigger than average, you may need even more people. Two people can lift a 30-gallon tank, but a 40 or 50-gallon tank will be very awkward for two people to manage. It's always better to have more help than you need, rather than risk injury.

If you're not comfortable lifting the water heater yourself, or don't have enough people to help, you can always hire a professional to do the job for you. Alternatively, you can invest in a hand truck or dolly, which is a device with wheels designed to help move heavy loads. A hand truck will make the job much easier, and many models are specifically designed for lifting water heaters.

Once you have enough people or the right equipment, you can begin the process of lifting the water heater. First, make sure the water heater is empty and disconnected from all water and power sources. Then, follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe lifting and placement of the water heater.

Place the pan under the heater

Now that the water heater has been drained of water, it's time to place the pan under it. This process requires careful coordination and should be done with the utmost caution. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, ensure that the water heater is securely elevated. It's advisable to have an assistant to help with this process, as it may be challenging to manage alone. With the heater elevated, you can now begin to slide the drain pan into position. The pan should be placed directly underneath the heater, ensuring that it is centred and aligned correctly.

When placing the pan, it is crucial to orient the discharge hole towards the direction of your drain pipes. This will allow for proper drainage and prevent any overflow issues. Take your time with this step, as it is essential for the proper functioning of the drainage system.

If your water heater is connected to the water supply pipes with flexible hoses, you may be able to slowly raise the tank while sliding the pan underneath. This method may require some manoeuvring, but it can be an effective way to get the pan into position.

For larger tanks, you may need additional helpers. Lifting and manoeuvring a heavy water heater can be challenging, and having extra hands can make the process safer and more manageable. It is always better to be cautious and have more help than needed.

Additionally, consider using blocking materials such as 2x4 or 4x4 wood pieces to support the tank. By slowly removing the blocking materials as the pan is inserted, you can carefully lower the tank into the pan while ensuring its stability.

Remember to take all necessary precautions and work with a partner to avoid any injuries or accidents during this process. With careful planning and execution, you'll be able to successfully place the pan under the water heater.

Reattach the pipes

Now that the water heater is in the pan, it's time to reattach the pipes. This process will vary depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater, and whether your pipes are made of copper, steel, or plastic.

If you have a gas water heater, you will need to attach a new temperature and pressure relief valve. Wrap the threads of the valve with Teflon tape and screw it tightly into the tank using a pipe wrench. Then, attach a copper discharge pipe.

Next, attach new copper adapters to 6-inch lengths of 3/4-inch copper and screw these assemblies into the hot water outlet and cold water inlet ports in the top of the tank. If you have hard water or if required by local codes, add short, plastic-lined nipples to shield against galvanic corrosion.

Now, slide the new water heater into place and cut or extend the old tubing to meet the new connections. Solder the tubing together using copper slip couplings. If the tubing doesn't line up, offset the lines with pairs of 45-degree elbows.

Reconnect the vent by shoving it tightly over the draft hood and anchoring it with three 3/8-inch No. 6 sheet metal screws. Predrill the holes to ensure a secure fit. The vent should rise at least 12 inches vertically before turning at the first elbow.

Finally, use two wrenches to attach the gas line. Coat the threaded ends with pipe joint compound and screw the first nipple into the gas valve, then reassemble the remaining nipples.

If you have an electric water heater, turn off the power at the main electrical panel before beginning any work. Disconnect the electrical wires from the screw terminals under the access panel, which is usually located near the top of the water heater. If you don't have electrical experience, it's recommended to hire an electrician to handle the wiring.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for wiring the new water heater. If the new water heater is shorter and the old wires don't reach, you may need to surface-mount a metal electrical box on the wall or ceiling and run a new section of armored cable or electrical conduit to the water heater.

Check the instructions to ensure that the rating of the old fuse or circuit breaker is high enough to handle the new water heater. The circuit should also have a shut-off switch within sight of the water heater.

Once the wiring is complete, call your local electrical inspector to check over your work before turning on the power.

Frequently asked questions