How to Dispose of a Water Heater

A water heater is mostly steel, which means a scrap yard will usually take it free and sometimes pay you $10–$30. The two things that catch people out: it must be fully drained first, and a full 50-gallon tank weighs over 400 lbs. Get the draining right and the rest is straightforward.

Short answer: drain it completely, take it to a scrap yard. If you're having a new one installed, the plumber will almost always take the old one as part of the job.

Draining it — do this first

A 50-gallon tank holds around 415 lbs of water on top of the ~150 lb tank itself. Nobody is moving that, and a partly drained tank will leak through your house.

1. Turn off the power or gas. Breaker off for electric; gas valve to "off" and pilot extinguished for gas.
2. Turn off the cold water supply at the valve on top.
3. Let it cool. Several hours at minimum, ideally overnight. Water in a tank can be scalding, and this is where people get hurt.
4. Attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom and run it to a floor drain or outside.
5. Open a hot tap somewhere in the house to break the vacuum, or it'll drain extremely slowly.
6. Open the drain valve and let it empty completely — usually 20–45 minutes.

Sediment often blocks the drain valve on older tanks. If flow stops while the tank is still heavy, try opening and closing the valve, or briefly turn the supply back on to flush the blockage through. Don't assume it's empty because it stopped running.

Your options

Scrap value

A standard tank is roughly 100–150 lbs of steel once drained, plus copper or brass fittings and, in electric models, copper heating elements. At typical scrap steel prices that's a modest but real $10–$30.

You'll get slightly more if you remove the brass fittings and any copper separately, since those are worth considerably more per pound than steel — but it's fiddly and rarely worth the time unless you're already dismantling it.

Moving it safely

• Drained, it's still 100–150 lbs and awkwardly tall. A two-person lift, or use an appliance dolly.
• Strap it to the dolly. Water heaters are top-heavy and tip readily.
• Basements are the hard case. Getting one up a flight of stairs is genuinely where paid removal earns its money.
• Expect residual water. Even a "fully drained" tank holds a gallon or two in the sediment at the bottom. Keep it upright and put a towel down in the vehicle.

Gas versus electric

Electric — turn off the breaker and disconnect the wiring at the junction box on top. Straightforward if you're comfortable with the electrics; an electrician otherwise.

Gas — turn the gas valve fully off and disconnect the supply line and the flue. If you are not confident doing this, use a plumber. Gas connections are not a good place to learn, and many jurisdictions require the work to be done by a licensed professional.

Tankless units

Far lighter — typically 30–80 lbs — and no draining beyond clearing residual water. They contain more electronics and a heat exchanger, often copper, which makes them slightly more valuable at scrap. Otherwise the same routes apply.

Don't forget the extras

• Expansion tank — small pressure vessel plumbed nearby; also scrap steel
• Old drip pan — usually aluminium or plastic
• Insulation blanket — general waste
• Anode rod — if you pull it, it's magnesium or aluminium; scrap

Common questions

Will my plumber take the old water heater?

Almost always, as part of a replacement. It's the easiest route by a distance — confirm it's included when you book rather than assuming.

Is a water heater worth anything as scrap?

$10–$30 typically. Not a reason to make a special trip, but it means disposal costs you nothing.

Can I put a water heater out with the trash?

Not in regular collection. Most cities take them via scheduled bulk pickup, and many treat them as an appliance requiring a separate booking.

How do I know it's fully drained?

Water stops running from the hose and the tank is liftable by two people. If it stopped early and still feels heavy, the valve is likely blocked with sediment.

What if it's leaking already?

Same process, but put towels or a tray down and move faster. A leaking tank is failing and will worsen — don't leave it sitting in a basement.

Related

• Appliance removal cost
• Who takes your old stuff for free
• How to dispose of a refrigerator

Gas and electrical disconnection requirements vary by jurisdiction and may legally require a licensed professional. Scrap prices fluctuate. Always confirm facility acceptance before hauling. Last verified August 2026.