How To Lift A Water Heater? 2 Best Ways!

The question is: how to lift a water heater? Here are a few steps used in lifting a water heater, and you can learn them as you further read this article!  Uplift is beneficial to both gas and electric heating systems since it protects the water heater and reduces the risk of fire. Gas water heaters must be elevated in several areas to fulfill specific code standards.

Lifting a water heater on your own is possible in a few different methods. You can conduct a typical bear hug – using additional hands, but that may result in back injury.

how to lift a water heater

Alternatively, you might get a hand truck designed exclusively for lifting hot water tanks. Keep reading to discover how you can lift a water heater with step-by-step instructions. Is it feasible to safely raise a water heater? That’s correct! In short, this article will demonstrate not one but two approaches to completing the task. Let’s get started!

 

Ways To Lift A Water Heater

There are two best ways that you can use to lift a water heater. You can either use a dolly and a ramp and a dolly with a handle. Below, we will discuss these things. Let’s get on!

 

Using A Dolly And A Ramp

Nothing can prepare you for lifting a water heater, no matter how much training you’ve done recently. We’ve all injured our backs by moving things we should have not. So, instead of weeks of suffering and a pricey trip to the doctor, let’s have this work done the first time correctly. This is the first way to move a hot water system without breaking your back. Here’s how to lift a water heater:

 

Step #1. Drain any excess water

The weight of water within your hot water system will add hundreds of pounds. It’s thus preferable to drain the water before attempting to transfer it. To empty your water heater, follow these steps. Attach a garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve. Place the hose’s other end outdoors the house.  Drain the water heater by opening the drain valve. The hose is empty when the water stops flowing out of it.

 

Step #2: Remove any inputs 

You must also disconnect all inputs from the water heater before moving it. This includes everything related to it.  Follow these steps to disconnect your water heater’s inputs. Unplug the flexible water heater pipes from the rest of the plumbing in the house. This task may be completed with the help of an adjustable screwdriver. Shut off the gas at both the hot water system and the manifold. All electrical connections should be disconnected. Disconnect the exhaust system and place it aside.

 

Step #3. Carry the heater up the ramp

Now you’ve completed all of the necessary preparations, you can begin lifting your hot water system. Elevate the water heater with your hands and feet, not your back. Allow gravity to draw it to the location where you require it. This is how you may begin walking the water heater up the ramp.

 

Step #4. Build a ramp to the right of the water heater

Hold the top of the hot water system by the water connectors. As you take a step backward, turn it towards you. Place the hot water system on the ramp and tilt it. Allow it to glide down the slope from the stand. Slowly lower the heater onto the floor through the ramp. What if you’re installing a water heater from the bottom up? Then you may utilize the same procedure as before. The ramp at the base of the water heater should be lined this time. The water connections may then be used as levers to help you walk it up the ramp.

 

Step #5. Position the heater on a dolly

Your hand cart or dolly will be required at this point. Make sure you have a friend with you for this phase. Place the dolly at the water heater’s base. The water heater should be held by the water hookups.  Allow a buddy to move the dolly under there as you lean it to one side.  Just use a dolly to move the water heater to where it’s needed. You may also be interested to know about the problem with your home water heater.

 

Using A Dolly With A Handle

So, here’s another way to get your water heater to rise. This method is ideal for heavily-loaded heaters that can’t be carried down and up a ramp. You’ll learn how to create a handle for such a heater and transport it onto a dolly this time.

 

Step #1. Pour the water out

Draining the water from your water heater should be the first step. You’ll be able to move about more efficiently due to this. Follow these steps to empty yours. Attach a garden hose to the water heater’s drain valve. Take the opposite end of the house outdoors or down a drain. Disconnect the water heater’s drain valve. The hose is empty when the water stops flowing from it. 

 

Step #2. Make a handle to lift the heater

Next, we’ll make a solid handle to help you raise the heater. Our team will connect the handle to the two water connections on top of the water heater. Underneath the handle, place two steel bars. You’re almost ready to move the water tank now that you’ve finished preparing the handle. The following step will require you to get your two galvanized steel bars.  8 screws, 2 woodblocks, and a power drill are also necessary.

 

Step #3. Put a dolly under the heater

Slide a dolly underneath the water heater as you hoist it up. The heater may be transported anywhere you need it using the dolly.

 

It’s A Wrap!

We hope that you have learned how to lift a water heater. You’re to raise a water heater, right? Then it doesn’t have to be a difficult task to do so without injuring yourself. We’re confident that the two approaches in this post have shown you how to lift yours without risking your back. Thank you, friends, for being with us at the end! You may also want to read about how to hide your water heater and how to get rid of a water heater.