How to remove water heater from attic

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2011

Empty water heater weighs 75-100 lbs

Shut off water
Shut-off valve located on cold water side.

ELECTRIC water heater

Turn off breaker to electric water heater

Test that power is off
Test Black wire to green ground screw.
Test Black wire to Whire wire.
Test White wire to green ground screw.
If tester lights up, then check that correct breaker was turned off.

Remove wire and keep romex clamp and wire nuts ready for new heater.
How to twist wire and put on wire nut

GAS water heater

Turn off Gas to gas water heater
Rotate gas valve handle so it is perpendicular across gas line to turn off gas.

With power vent water heaters, unplug transformers and electric cords.
With power vented gas water heaters, avoid malfuctions and problems by installing dedicated outlet so only the water heater is connected to that breaker.

Remove pipe or flex connector connecting to gas control valve.
Remember to use yellow teflon tape when reconnecting gas line to new heater

Pipe wrench

Drain water heater

Open tub spout so air enters water heater
When installing new water heater, position water heater so water hose can attach easily.
Make sure to fill new water heater completely before turning on water heater.

Drain valve
How to replace water heater drain valve

How to open clogged water heater

If water heater will not drain: turn household water ON, connect garden hose to water heater using washing machine hose, and turn on outdoor spigot for 15 seconds to flush open the tank.

Change pipes on top of water heater so rope can be attached to pipes.

Make sure pipes are tight, so pipes don't rotate and rope comes loose

	Build wood frame to slide water heater from attic Measure diameter of water heater and make sure it will fit through attic opening. Set 2x4's close enough to leave clearance so water heater does not catch on cross supports.
How to make transparent water heater in Photoshop	Slide water heater down wood frame Lay wood frame on stairway to attic. Attach frame to stairway Loop ropes around water heater pipes. Wood frame controls direction of water heater. Empty water heater weighs 75-100 lbs. Drill hole in attic rafter. Put rope through hole to control the weight of water heater. Larger image