Home water heater question

[BillZ]

Since there are a lot of handy people on this forum, I figure someone here will know the answer to my question.

I have a good used gas 40 gallon water heater that I want to transport to a rental property that is 600 miles away, in Indiana.

It will easily fit in the back of my Forester but..can it ride lying down or does it have to be upright?

I checked to see if it would ride upright in the tear but no such luck. It would fit through the door but is a few inches too tall. I figure if I had to, I could possibly transport it inside the tear at a 45 degree angle.

I really want to use this water heater because it was free and it will save me a lot of money if I can carry it. I have to go to Indiana this month for a wedding anyway so the timing is good.

[starleen2]

as long as it's well supported - and drained - it should be alright laying down on its side - however if there is any sediment in it - you might want to take this time to flush it out

[BILLYL]

Yes - I agree
Drain and flush.

How old is it??? Gas or electric

[BillZ]

Yes - I agree
Drain and flush.

How old is it??? Gas or electric

Gas, about 7 years old. It was switched out for a larger one. The plumbers told me it is a good brand (Jetglas) and should have lots of use left. It is drained but not yet flushed. I'll try to do that once I get it out of the basement.

[Maverick71]

Howdy,

I suggest that first you determine the original weight of the water heater dry as shipped to the home.

Then weigh the water heater fully drained to see how much sediment build up is in the heater. Most water heaters after that life span have so much build up that they are inefficient let alone weigh so much as to move them.

During removal, I have had personal experience where there is so much build up that two guys can't even lift the heater.

Check the connections on the water heater to be sure there is no galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals in the piping to and from the heater.

Sometimes when draining, run a wire in through the hose bib and some of the sediment will come out like thawing snow. Even with a water softener there will be sediment build up.

To counter this lime and other sediment build up. I drain the heater, remove a flex connection at the top, and pour in a gallon of vinegar. Let the heater stand for a couple of hours and then drain the heater. You will be surprised how much junk comes out.

I wouldn't want to see you haul a worthless water heater on a long trip only to discover it has given up its ghost.

Take care,
Maury