Hot Rod Hand Truck – The Best Way To Lift A Water Heater!
I run a plumbing firm and operate as a one-man operation, performing all of the work myself. These customized water heater dollies are ideal for any work involving a hot water heater! It was a difficult decision because I am 59 years old and have been lifting water heaters the old-fashioned way (dead lift with all pressure and weight on lower back) for years. I know that one day my back will be unable to lift a water heater, so I looked for an alternative and found a few on the internet, but they all had major flaws or were either too complicated or too heavy.
Although it takes some time to become acclimated to, I have not had any back discomfort, strain, or even a strained muscle as a result of using it.
Excellent and would suggest it to anybody, but you must first practice on old water heaters, as this will make your life much simpler and safer in the long run!
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The Best Way To Lift A Water Heater – Hot Rod Hand Truck
Residential water heater installations and maintenance are made easier with the Hot Rod Hand Truck, which is the most powerful instrument available. It’s a specialized tank dolly that uses the size and weight of most water heaters as a lever, allowing any installer to safely and effortlessly lift and install the water heater without the need for further assistance. It is without a doubt the most effective method of lifting water. When installing water heaters, most plumbers employ a two-person crew in order to avoid heavy lifting and avoid injury.
- The Hot Rod Hand Truck is the most appropriate instrument for the job in this situation.
- -Easily lift, move, and install the water heater by leveraging the whole weight of the unit.
- -Install water heaters in less time than ever before.
- For plumbers who have purchased and are using the Hot Rod Hand TruckStrap Kit for water heater installs, these are just a few of the many advantages they will enjoy.
- Please visit our HRHT product page for more information on how to place an order right away.
How to Raise a Water Heater Off the Floor
Are you trying to figure out how to lift a water heater off the floor? Elevation is beneficial for both electric and gas water heaters (but especially for gas water heaters), since it protects the water heater while also reducing the chance of fire.
Many states demand that gas water heaters be elevated in order to comply with specific code standards. Learn how to elevate a water heater off the ground with this PlumbingNav guide (or with the help of some handy muscle).
How To Raise A Water Heater Off The Floor
Please see the following instructions for removing your water heater from the floor and placing it on a suitable platform.
Step 1: Examine Your Current Water Heater
Examine the condition of your present water heater to determine if it needs to be replaced. Among the things to think about are:
- Water heater (gas or electric)
- Kind of water heater On your property, where is the water heater located? requirements of the local code in your location
Why Should A Water Heater Be Raised Off The Floor?
Keeping your water heater off the ground can assist you in the event of floods, water damage, or excessive moisture on the ground, all of which can cause corrosion in your water heater tank and cause it to fail prematurely. The fact that your gas water heater may come into touch with combustible items is even more critical. The pilot light on gas water heaters is an open flame that is used to ignite the gas. Lifting the water heater will reduce potentially dangerous situations, as well as the risk of the pilot being blown out by strong winds.
Learn about the criteria in your area.
The majority of municipalities only have standards for gas water heaters.
Furthermore, the position of your water heater in your home is important.
Can a Water Heater Sit Directly on the Floor?
Whether or not a water heater is necessary is dependent on its location and the type of water heater used. When installing a gas water heater, the common belief is that the water heater should be elevated at least 18 inches from the ground so that the pilot light is visible (not the bottom of the water heater). Be sure to double-check the legislation in your region once more, especially if you reside in an area where extra measures are required. Keep in mind that there are extra requirements.
Check to see that elevating your water heater will not result in you being in violation of any other construction regulations.
Step 3: Turn Off Heating Mechanism
Before dealing with a gas water heater or an electrical gas water heater, always make sure the gas is turned off and the electricity is turned off as well. This minor but critical step should become second nature to any DIYer who works with water heaters, but it never hurts to be reminded of it.
Step 4: Gather Supplies
To complete the task, you will require a number of different objects. Before you begin, make sure you have the following supplies ready: To complete the task, you will require many goods. Preparing for the project requires the following items:
Can You Put A Water Heater On Blocks Or Bricks?
It is possible to construct a water heater out of blocks and bricks.
Steel, on the other hand, is the most widely used material. It is not recommended to set the water heater directly on concrete or wood surfaces.
Water heaters are quite heavy. You will want assistance in raising the water heater. Fortunately, there are tools available that are expressly designed to assist you in completing your assignment. The use of a strap system and the use of a ramp approach are both prominent ways. During your do-it-yourself journey, you will almost certainly encounter questions. Keep the owner’s handbook close to hand in case you need to refer to it. If you don’t have the owner’s handbook on hand, try searching online to see if you can locate it on the manufacturer’s website, which may be more convenient.
Step 5: Drain Water Heater
Draining your water heater will make it lighter and simpler to lift when you need to transport it. The tank drain exit at the bottom of the water heater should be connected to an appropriate-sized water hose for draining the device. Secure the connection and place the other end of the hose near a drain in the room or outside the building. Turn on the hot water faucet in your home after that. This allows for the entry of air into the hot water distribution system. Lastly, carefully release the drain valve to enable all of the water to drain entirely from the tank.
Step 6: Disconnect Water Heater
Remove any pipes that are attached to the water heater, as well as any impediments that may be in the way. In order to avoid having an accident when lifting the water heater, be sure that nothing is in your way while you do so. First and foremost, safety!
Step 7: Lift Water Heater Onto Platform
Now comes the exciting part. To move the wavy water heater to the new platform, you must first raise it. Although there are tools available to allow individuals to move the water heater on their own, it may be beneficial to enlist the assistance of two or three other persons.
How Do You Lift A Water Heater?
When it comes to lifting a water heater, there are three common methods: using straps, employing a lift, and lifting it manually. Without a doubt, if you have a huge capacity gas water heater, it will be rather hefty. Get some assistance. Water heater straps may be purchased at almost any hardware store in the area. To begin, install the magnetic handles to the water tank using the included screws. The strap will be fastened to the handle using a buckle. Lifting a 200-pound water heater by oneself is possible with the strap when it is tightened sufficiently.
- In order to begin, connect the magnets to the water tank.
- Lifting a 200-pound water heater by oneself is possible with the strap when it is tightened down.
- Water heaters are large and heavy, even when they are not in use.
- It is recommended that you should not utilize this option unless absolutely required.
Final Steps For Raising Your Water Heater Off The Floor
You’ve completed the most challenging elements of the project, but follow these last steps to ensure that it is completed properly:
Step 8: Place a Pan Under Water Heater
You don’t want water damage to have an impact on the platform that you used to install your water heater. Water heaters can occasionally produce condensation or leak a small amount of water. Place a pan beneath the platform to catch any water that may fall onto it. This will prevent water from getting onto the platform.
Step 9: Reconnect Water Heater
You must now reconnect the water heater to the platform because it has been placed on top of the platform. If you have any queries concerning the hose inlets, refer to the user handbook. Learn more about how to properly fill a hot water heater by reading this article.
Step 10: Reinstate Power and Test Water
After that, it’s time to switch on the water heater again. The heating mechanism of the water heater should be turned on after the electricity has been restored. Make sure the water is still hot after a couple of hours by checking periodically. Isn’t it getting hotter? See this article for further information on how to troubleshoot a water heater that isn’t heating up.
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How to Lift Water Heater into Pan
An under-sink drain pan is highly recommended if you have a water heater or tankless water heater in your house. Most of the time, water heaters in basements are located on top of a floor drain, which can capture any leaks that occur. However, a water heater tank that is located on a higher floor should have a water heater pan erected as soon as possible to prevent any significant damage from occurring. A drip pan that has been properly placed will be attached to a drain pipe and will capture any leaks from your water heater, no matter how serious they get.
You have two options when it comes to installing a water heater pan: either call a plumber or install the water heater pan yourself.
One option is the typical bear embrace – with some additional hands, of course – but this may result in back problems if you do so too forcefully.
Continue reading to discover how to hoist a water heater into a drain pan with a step-by-step instruction and answers to some frequently asked questions, whether you’re replacing a water heater or simply installing a new drain pan.
How to Lift Water Heater into Pan: Step-by-Step Guide
Check to see that the cold water supply and hot water line are both turned off. Activate the hot water faucet to ensure that the water is turned off. In order to be extra careful, you might disconnect all the lines till you’re finished with the project.
2. Turn off the main water supply
If you have an electric water heater, you must first switch it off before you begin any lifting or transferring.
Using this method, you may ensure that there is no water pressure while working.
3. Drain all the water from the storage tank
To completely drain the tank, turn on the relief valve. Due to the lengthy nature of the process, it may be tempting to attempt to move the water tank while it is still full; nevertheless, lifting the tank before emptying all of the water is risky. A hot water storage tank is really heavy, so don’t underestimate the task and end up breaking your back in the process.
4. Enlist some assistance
In addition to alleviating any worry you may be feeling if this is your first time, having a second person to assist you makes everything much more secure!
5. With your assistant, bear hug and lift the water tank together
It should not be difficult to transport an empty tank. However, if your water heater tank is larger than the usual, you might consider investing in an equipment that will aid you in transporting a water heater like a professional plumber!
6. Lift the water heater with a hand truck
It is easier to lift and lower water heaters from platforms, as well as move them in and out of pans, if you have a hand truck and strap kit available. It is particularly built to cradle water heaters, and it comes with a strap kit that allows you to easily hold and carry even the heaviest water heaters! It may be a little pricey, but it is well worth the purchase, and your back will thank you for it!
7.Place drain pan under it
It is easier to lift and lower water heaters from platforms, as well as move them in and out of pans, if you invest in a hand truck and strap kit. It’s particularly built to cradle water heaters, and it comes with a strap kit that makes it easy to attach and carry even the heaviest of water heaters. Despite the fact that it is a little pricey, it is well worth the purchase, and your back will thank you!
8. Lower the heater into the pan
An investment in a hand truck and strap kit will allow you to move water heaters from platforms and into and out of pans with ease, allowing you to save time and money. Specifically intended to hold water heaters, it comes with a strap system that makes it easy to fasten and carry even the heaviest of water heaters. It may be a bit pricey, but it is well worth the money, and your back will thank you for it!
9. Firmly close the pressure relief valve and the drain valve
Before continuing, you might opt to apply pipe dope, which is a sealer, to assist in making PVC pipe joints leak-proof before proceeding. A hotplumbing tip: before beginning, lay a paper towel over all of your connections, valves, and heat pump to check for leaks.
10. Reconnect the supply lines
Using pipe dope, which is a sealer, you may assist in making PVC pipe joints leak-proof before moving on with the project. Hotplumbing tip: Before you start any work, spread a paper towel over all of your connections, valves, and heat pump to check for leaks.
11. Securely attach drain pipe to the drain pan’s discharge pipe
This pipe will divert any water from the pan into the drain line, preventing an overflow from occurring. To guarantee that the tubing is the right length, use a tubing cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
This pipe will divert any excess water from the pan into the drain line, preventing an overflow from arising. To guarantee that the tube is the right length, use a tubing cutter.
Can you transport water heater laying down?
It is possible to transfer a hot water heater by lying it on its side.
Be aware that if the item is not moved properly while in this position, the metal shell may be damaged, and the glass lining may break as a result.
How do you pick up a water heater?
Prior to removing the water heater from the stand, be certain that it is completely empty and that it is not linked to the house plumbing, as well as any gas or electrical lines. Take hold of the water connections on top of the heater and tilt it towards you as you go backwards until the water runs out completely. You’ll be able to lift it off the stand and place it on a hand truck to transfer it after the stand becomes loose. However, skilled plumbers do not recommend bearhug the water heater to pick it up since it has the potential to inflict significant body harm over time.
Why is there water in pan under water heater?
Water in the pan under a hot water heater is most often the result of a leak in the system. Check for leaks at the vent pipe fittings and, if necessary, tighten the cold water pipe connections to ensure that they are secure. Consider the possibility that leaking may be caused by corrosion and silt accumulation within the tank. If this is the case, you may need to disengage the shut off valve and replace the drain valve and anode rod to correct the situation. It should be noted that the same holds true for a washing machine pan.
r/Plumbing – Water heater lifting techniques?
The first time I meet someone, I repeat their name first, like eight times in a row really fast. After then, it’s no trouble to throw it anyplace. level 1I ran into a plumber a while back who had a friend who had built him a dolly out of scrap wood. On the dolly, there was also a foot crank that would lift the flat section of the dolly up approximately a 1/2″ at a time as long as you kept your foot on it. I suppose it may reach as high as 1′ at the most. It’s a pretty clever idea. level 1They create a jack that you can use to raise it to the height you want and then lift it over the edge of the platform.
level 1Use an appliance hand truck to transport the appliance and construct a ramp.
level 2This would take an inordinate amount of time.
level 1Tilt and roll your way to victory.
cinch n raise magnetic water heater handles by Arizona lifting solutions (I’m not sure where else you can get these) are my go-to option for level 1.
Two persons can easily manage even large heaters of 75/80 gallons with the help of two sets of handles.
level 1A skyhook is available for hire at my local equipment rental shop.