How much is a scrap water heater worth? The size of your water heater and the types of materials used to build it will affect its price. However, you could have as much as $7 to $30 at most. It also depends if you brought the unit as a whole or separated the parts. Did you recently purchase a new water heater system to replace the old one and you don’t know what to do with the old one?
Well, there is always the option to scrap the old one out. However, you might be wondering if scrapping the whole thing will be worth it.
I also was in the same situation as yours and I had trouble where to place the old heater or make use of it. What I did was to scrap each metal parts that had worth. I have a list of suggestions for you to get rid of your old water heater in three ways. Read this article to see whether your water heater is worth higher or lower if you choose to scrap it like me!
How Much Does A Scrap Water Heater Worth?
You have probably replaced the old water heater, and there is just no more room for you to store the old one. Well, there is more than one way to get rid of that old water heater out. Lucky for you, I have this list of the things you can do with an old water heater.
#1. Recycling
To put an old water heater to good use is to recycle it. Many recycling companies will gladly have your water heaters and scrap them for their metals. Although these companies will probably make you pay the going rate or a disposal charge for the appliance. Although laws govern differently in every state that requires the seller to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid ID to avail of the services. If you can’t find a recycling company that will take your old heater, then try checking your local governments to dispose of the unit. Your local government may have services to help you recycle or pick up the water heater from your location.
#2. Hiring a junk removal service
Junk removal services such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK? offers schedules pick-up and disposal services for these types of appliances. They also have the same-day pick-up that will let them pick your old heater from wherever you are. They either scrap the unit since they keep these units from getting disposed to landfills as you can still make use of them, or they can be donated as possible, especially if the team is still working well. A call is all takes, but I recommend you to drain your heater first. Not only will they help you get rid of the heater, but they will also tidy up the place.
#3. Scrapping the water heater yourself
Out of the three options you have, this is the only one where you will get some cash in return for disposing of your old water heater. You have to know which types of metals are profitable and which ones cannot. Since there are two types of water heaters; the gas and the electrically powered ones, here are the steps to help you check the water heater metal parts.
Starting from the top of the water heater, check if fittings and pipes are attached. Using a magnet, you can find the metal materials in your tank. The lines are made of iron, but it probably is made of copper or brass if it doesn’t. You can still sell these but for a lower rate. Remove it using a pipe wrench or cut it with a saw. You can also have the anode rod inside the heater since it is mainly made from aluminum, magnesium, or a combination of metals, even copper.
If you have a gas water heater unit, it is better to resell these on your own because you will likely give you a better price. Although you may also have the scrap shops offer special rates for its regulators to get the best price for your old water heater unit. On the other hand, electric water heaters are mostly made from zinc-plated copper materials or stainless steel. You can find these parts at the top or the bottom of the access panels. Also, check the fittings using a knife or a screwdriver. Some brass materials might become unrecognizable because of the corrosion caused by the old age of the unit.
So, how much is a scrap water heater worth? The price for your scrap water heater will depend on the weight of each metal part you have. So you can expect a $7 to $30 return on your old water heater unit. Since a water heater weighs at least 150 pounds when drained. I suggest you check the buying rates of each type in your local junkyard. However, the whole process of digging out the pieces of each metal part on your own will also depend on whether you still have time for it. You may also want to read about water heater checklist.
It’s A Wrap!
Now that you know how much is a scrap water heater worth, you can very well weigh your options in whether to sell it off the whole or scrap the metal parts only. Nevertheless, you can still get a few dollars back from scrapping your old water heater away. You may want to read related articles; know why does my tankless water heater go cold and how to set heater thermostat.