Why Getting Rid of an Old Water Heater Is Harder Than It Looks
A failed or outdated water heater is one of the most frustrating appliances to deal with. They're heavy — a standard 50-gallon steel tank weighs 150 lbs empty and over 400 lbs when full of water. They're awkward to move through hallways and basement stairs. And most municipal waste programs won't collect them at the curb.
That leaves homeowners with limited options: rent a truck, pay a junk removal service $150–$300, or let it sit in the corner for months. We've built a better solution. Our free water heater removal service is available across our service area, and there's no catch — the scrap value of steel, copper, and brass makes the economics work without charging you anything.
Whether you're replacing a 40-gallon tank-style unit, swapping out a commercial 80-gallon model, or decommissioning a tankless system, we handle pickups of all sizes. All we ask is that you drain as much water as possible before we arrive.
Gas Water Heater Safety — Do This Before We Arrive
If you have a gas water heater, please shut off the gas supply valve before our arrival. The shut-off valve is typically located on the gas supply line near the bottom of the unit. Turn the valve handle perpendicular to the pipe to close it.
Also set the thermostat to "Pilot" or "Vacation" mode to stop the burner. Allow at least 30 minutes for the unit to cool before our team disconnects the gas flex line. If you smell gas at any point, leave the area and call your gas utility's emergency line immediately.
Types of Water Heaters We Remove
Tank Water Heaters (Gas)
The most common type. Available in 30–100 gallon sizes. Steel exterior with glass-lined steel interior. Contains anode rod, pressure-relief valve, gas burner assembly, and thermocouple. All metal components are 100% recyclable.
Tank Water Heaters (Electric)
Electric resistance heating elements inside a steel tank. Common in apartments and homes without gas service. Easier to disconnect than gas units — just shut off the circuit breaker and water supply. Elements and thermostat are disposed of separately.
Tankless Water Heaters (On-Demand)
Wall-mounted units that heat water on demand. Gas and electric models available. Contain copper heat exchangers, circuit boards, and flow sensors. Lighter than tank units but require careful disconnection of water lines and gas/electric supply.
Heat Pump & Solar Water Heaters
Heat pump units combine a tank with a refrigerant-based heat pump system. Solar units include storage tanks and collector panels. Both contain recyclable metal components. Contact us to discuss oversized or commercial-grade units.
How to Prepare Your Water Heater for Pickup
Shut Off the Energy Supply
Gas units: close the gas shut-off valve on the supply line. Electric units: turn off the dedicated circuit breaker (usually 240V, 30A) at your panel. Allow the unit to cool completely before our team arrives.
Turn Off the Cold Water Supply
Find the cold water inlet valve at the top of the unit and close it. This is typically a ball valve or gate valve on the pipe feeding into the top of the tank. This stops new water from entering while you drain.
Drain as Much Water as Possible
Attach a standard garden hose to the drain valve near the bottom of the tank. Run the hose to a floor drain, utility sink, or outside. Open a hot water tap in your home to let air in and allow the tank to drain faster. A 50-gallon tank takes 20–45 minutes to fully drain.
Clear the Path for Removal
Water heaters in basements, utility closets, or tight spaces require a clear path to the exit. Remove any boxes, bikes, or stored items blocking the route. Note any tight doorways or staircases — our team handles them, but a heads-up helps us bring the right equipment.
Request Free Pickup
Request a pickup window that works for you. A local hauler will confirm, arrive on time, disconnect remaining connections, and haul everything away. No mess, no fees.
What Happens to Your Old Water Heater
Water heaters are almost entirely made of recyclable materials. Here's what we recover from each unit:
| Component | Material | Recycling Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tank shell (outer jacket) | Steel | Shredded, sorted, melted at steel mill |
| Inlet/outlet nipples | Copper or brass | Separated, sold as #2 copper |
| Anode rod | Magnesium or aluminum | Separated, recycled at metal processor |
| Pressure relief valve | Brass | Removed, sold as yellow brass |
| Insulation foam | Polyurethane foam | Landfill (non-recyclable) or energy recovery |
| Tankless heat exchanger | Copper | Highest-value component, #1 copper scrap |
| Electronic control board | PCB with precious metals | Certified e-waste processor |
By weight, over 85% of a standard tank water heater is recyclable steel and metal alloys.
Why Water Heater Removal Is Free (The Economics)
A standard 40–50 gallon steel tank contains roughly 80–120 lbs of steel, plus copper and brass fittings. At current scrap metal prices, that's worth $15–$40 per unit depending on market conditions. Larger commercial units (80+ gallons) are worth more.
Tankless units are especially valuable due to their copper heat exchangers — a small tankless unit can yield 5–8 lbs of #1 copper, which trades significantly higher than steel. This scrap revenue allows us to offer the service at no cost to homeowners, while keeping metal out of landfills.
Bundle Your Pickup — We Take More Than Water Heaters
Doing a basement cleanout or utility room renovation? Add multiple appliances to a single pickup at no extra charge. We commonly remove water heaters alongside: