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Removing the Old Water Heater

The information on this web site is supplemental to the printed instructions that came with your water heater. To reduce the risk of property damage, serious injury or death, read and follow all labels on the water heater and the safety instructions in the printed owner's manual.

Step 1: Tools Required

Garden hose
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  • Garden hose

  • Hand truck or appliance dolly

  • Pipe cutter

  • Screwdriver

  • Wrenches

  • Bucket (optional)

Step 2: Turn the Water Heater OFF

On the old water heater, turn the knob on the gas control valve to the OFF position.
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  • On the old water heater, turn the knob on the gas control valve to the OFF position.

Step 3: Turn the Main Gas Supply Valve OFF

Turn the main gas supply valve OFF.
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  • Turn the main gas supply valve OFF.

Step 4: Break the Gas Line at the Union

Break the gas line at the union (two wrenches are needed).
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  • Break the gas line at the union (two wrenches are needed).

  • Cap the gas pipe.

Step 5: Disconnect Gas Supply

Disconnect the gas pipe from the old water heater's control valve.
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  • Disconnect the gas pipe from the old water heater's control valve.

Step 6: Run the Hot Water Until it's Cool

Open a hot water faucet and let the hot water run until it is cool <em>(this may take 10 minutes or longer)</em>.

  • Open a hot water faucet and let the hot water run until it is cool (this may take 10 minutes or longer).

  • WARNING! Be sure the water runs cool before draining the old water heater to reduce the risk of scalding.

Step 7: Connect a Garden Hose to Drain Valve

Connect a garden hose to the water heater's drain valve and place the other end of the hose in a drain, outside, or in a bucket.
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  • Connect a garden hose to the water heater's drain valve and place the other end of the hose in a drain, outside, or in a bucket.

Step 8: Turn the Cold Water Supply OFF

Turn the cold water supply OFF.
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  • Turn the cold water supply OFF.

Step 9: Open the Drain Valve

Open the drain valve on the old water heater.
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  • Open the drain valve on the old water heater.

  • Opening a hot water faucet will help the water heater drain faster.

  • Some drain valves may be opened with a handle but others require a flat blade screwdriver.

  • Let the water heater drain completely.

  • Remove garden hose.

  • Sediment in the bottom of the tank may clog the drain valve and prevent it from draining properly. If you can't get the tank to drain, contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Step 10: Disconnect the T&P Relief Valve Discharge Pipe

When the tank is empty, disconnect the Temperature &amp; Pressure (T&amp;P) Relief Valve discharge pipe.
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  • When the tank is empty, disconnect the Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve discharge pipe.

  • You may be able to reuse the discharge pipe, but DO NOT REUSE THE OLD T&P RELIEF VALVE. Use the new T&P relief valve supplied with your new water heater.

Step 11: Remove Vent Pipe

Allow the vent pipe to cool. Once cooled, disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood.
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  • Allow the vent pipe to cool. Once cooled, disconnect the vent pipe from the draft hood.

  • You may need to support the vent pipe until the new water heater is in place.

Step 12: Disconnect the Water Pipes

<strong>Before disconnecting the water pipes, decide how you are going to connect the new water heater. If you are using compression fittings, cut the water pipes close to the water heater, leaving the pipes as long as possible. You can cut them to length later.</strong>
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  • Before disconnecting the water pipes, decide how you are going to connect the new water heater. If you are using compression fittings, cut the water pipes close to the water heater, leaving the pipes as long as possible. You can cut them to length later.

  • Disconnect the cold and hot water pipes attached to the old water heater. Many are connected with a threaded union that can be disconnected with wrenches.

Step 13: Remove the Old Water Heater

Remove the old water heater. Use a hand truck or appliance dolly to move the water heater.
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  • Remove the old water heater. Use a hand truck or appliance dolly to move the water heater.

  • CAUTION: Water heaters are heavy. Use two or more people to remove or install a water heater if you don't have an appliance dolly. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

Next: Installation