Can You Lay a Water Heater On Its Side? (Dos and Don’ts, FAQs, and more)
We may earn a commission if you click on a link, but at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy for information.
One of the questions we often get asked is whether or not you can lay a water heater on its side. Maybe you’re looking to save space in your home, or perhaps you need to transport the appliance and want to know the safest way to do so. In this article, we’ll go over some of the dos and don’ts, as well as answer some frequently asked questions, to help you make the best decision.
Contents
Can You Lay a Water Heater On Its Side?
Yes, in most cases you can lay a water heater on its side. This is usually necessary when the heater is being installed in a tight space and must be rotated to fit, or if you want to transport the appliance and need to fit it into a car.
There are, however, a few exceptions. If your water heater is gas-powered, you’ll need to be extra careful when handling it. Gas models are more susceptible to leaks and explosions if not handled correctly, so make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
As long as there’s no chance of the gas line being kinked or damaged, laying the water heater on its side should pose no problems. Just be sure to follow any special instructions that may be included with your particular model.
The Dos and Don’ts of Laying a Water Heater On Its Side
There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind if you do decide to lay your water heater on its side:
- DO research the type of water heater you have.
- DON’T attempt to move the water heater yourself if you are not confident in your strength or ability to do so. It is best to have at least one other person help you with this task.
- DO use straps or another type of support when moving the water heater to prevent it from tipping over.
- DON’T place the water heater on its side until you are ready to install it in its new location. Once it is on its side, gravity will start to work against you and make it difficult to move again.
- DO orient the water heater so that the inlet and outlet valves are pointing up when you place it on its side. This will help prevent any leaks.
- DON’T forget to secure the lid of the tank before moving the water heater. A loose lid could come off and cause serious damage.
These are just a few of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind when laying a water heater on its side. Following these guidelines will help ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
How to transport a hot water heater?
Water heaters are relatively easy to move without damaging them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do so:
- Disconnect the power supply to the water heater. This is an important safety precaution and will prevent any accidental electrocutions.
- Turn off the water supply to the appliance. This will help prevent any leaks while you are moving it.
- Drain the water from the tank. This will make the water heater much lighter and easier to move.
- Remove any attachments from the tank, such as the anode rod or temperature/pressure relief valve. These can usually be unscrewed by hand.
- Lift the water heater tank onto a dolly or other type of moving platform. If you don’t have a dolly, you can use a strong piece of plywood.
- Secure the tank in place with straps or rope. This will help prevent it from tipping over while you are moving it.
- Transport the water heater to its new location and carefully.
- Reconnect the power supply and turn on the water supply.
- Fill the tank with water and check for any leaks.
- Turn on the heat source and allow the water to reach its desired temperature.
By following these steps, you can be sure that your water heater will be moved safely and without any damage.
What are the best transportation methods for a hot water heater?
There are a few things to consider when you’re trying to decide what the best transportation method for your water heater might be.
One is the size of your water heater. If it’s a large tank, you’ll probably want to use a truck or trailer to move it. If it’s a small tank, you might be able to get away with using a car.
Another thing to think about is how far you’re moving the water heater. If it’s a long distance, you’ll want to choose a method that will minimize the amount of time it spends in transit.
And finally, you’ll need to think about how much money you’re willing to spend on transportation.
With all of these factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods for transporting water heaters.
One option is to rent a truck or trailer from a moving company. This is usually the best option if you have a large water heater or if you’re moving a long distance. The only downside is that it can be expensive.
Another option is to ask friends or family members if they have a truck or trailer that you can borrow. This is often cheaper than renting, but it may not be an option if you don’t know anyone with a suitable vehicle.
Finally, you can try to find someone who specializes in water heater transportation. These services are usually fairly inexpensive, but they may not be available in all areas.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to plan ahead so that your water heater arrives safely at its new home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Laying a water heater on its side is a pretty simple task, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to do it safely and correctly. Here are some frequently asked questions that will help you out.
Can a water heater fit in my car?
It depends on the size of your car and the size of your water heater. Most standard-sized water heaters will be too large to fit in a car, but smaller tanks might be able to squeeze in.
Do I need to do anything special if I’m moving my water heater a long distance?
If you’re moving your water heater a long distance, you’ll want to choose a transportation method that will minimize the amount of time it spends in transit.
Can I lay my water heater on its side while it’s still full of water?
No, you should always drain the water from the tank before you try to move it. This will make the water heater much lighter and easier to handle.
How do I know if my water heater is too heavy to lift?
If you’re not sure whether your water heater is too heavy to lift, it’s always best to be cautious and ask for help. Water heaters can be very heavy, and lifting one without proper support can lead to serious injuries.
These are some of the most important things to keep in mind when you’re laying your water heater on its side. As long as you take the time to do it carefully, it’s a pretty straightforward process.
Final Thoughts
Laying your water heater on its side is a pretty simple task, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to do it safely and correctly. With a little planning and some help from friends or family, you can be sure that your water heater will arrive at its new home without any problems.
