The answer is, yes you can. Contrary to some claims that a water heater transported on its side will get it damaged, because bending of anode rods or dip tubes or get the glass lining shattered. A water heater can be transported on its side without getting it damaged.
Here is the Deal!
A water heater is a household appliance that consists of a gas or electric heating unit under the tank in which the water is heated and stored. It is made up of a tank that holds water (this has its protective lining in and out), a dip tube that serves as the passage for water to and from the tank, the shut-off valve (just like the name, the shut-off valve shuts off the water flow into the water heater), heat out pipe, drain valve, pressure relief valve, and sacrificial anode rod among others. In short, the different parts work together to give you warm or hot water. These different parts are internally connected with the heater having a passage where water can exit from, and the plug to which it is connected to the socket.
Having known about how fragile the water heater is, it is then necessary to take precautions in moving the water heater. Firstly, unplug the water heater from the heat source (be it gas or electricity). Then, drain the remaining water in the heater completely (you may use a garden hose to do this). If your new water heater has some/little water in it, you may need to drain it as well.
Now you will need some tools to get started. You will need a helping hand to do the heavy lifting for you. Next, sufficient furniture pad (this will protect your water heater during transport, or you can just use your blankets or quilts), ratchet straps (this simply makes the transport secure, smooth and manageable in your vehicle), and most importantly, your hand truck (dolly makes transport super easy and for easy navigation).
The next step after getting these materials ready is to check the means of transportation. Is it large enough to contain the heater? If you do not have a spacious vehicle, you may as well borrow or rent to ease transportation and prevent damages. To be super checked, measure the height and width of your water heater and see if it fits in your vehicle. When carefully done, you can start the process of transporting your heater.
In transporting your water heater, the following steps can serve as guides to move your heater from its location to the vehicle.
Contents
Make or clear space in your vehicle
Move or clear space in your vehicle that will be able to accommodate the heater.Give enough space for the heater in your vehicle (you may as well make it the only appliance you will be carrying in the vehicle).
Give Protection to the Heater.
Your furniture pad or quilts or blankets will work here! Wrap the heater with the blanket or furniture pad, and then place another blanket on the back of the hand truck (dolly! Remember?) And another one in your vehicle! You know protecting your water heater is of utmost concern and priority here (the glass lining and the metal casing!).
Place the Water Heater on the Dolly
Place the water heater on the dolly after removing the anode rod and dip tube. Turn the controls and pipes outward carefully. Doing this will prevent the controls and pipes of the water heater from potential damage.
Secure the Water Heater with the Ratchet Straps
Having placed the water heater on the dolly, secure it with the ratchet straps. This will pin it to the dolly. Straps should be used by the sides, however, not on top. This will keep the water heater in shape and also stable throughout the journey.
Call on Your Helping Hands
Move the water heater from its location to your vehicle carefully. Move your dolly slowly and with extra care to your vehicle. Upon getting to the vehicle then, call on your helping hand(s), they will be really helpful at this stage. Remember your controls and pipes are facing outward? Now, carefully turn them over to avoid damage.
Drive as Careful as You Can
This is because you may be exposed to potholes, bumps and other unpredictable bad road conditions. Sufficient padding is crucial to avoid damage to glass lining or metal casing. Avoid the bad roads as much as possible and drive carefully. Also, use and take necessary precautions in transferring or moving your water heater. This is essential.
Remember and keep in mind that while it is possible to move your water heater using this simple guide, you may be limited by certain factors. It is better to get the right vehicle that will contain your water heater conveniently to avoid damage. Failure to do so, you may have to get another vehicle as earlier suggested. It is also necessary that you should get the necessary and needed manpower. You can get as much manpower as you deem fit for the convenient movement of your water heater and those that you are sure will do better jobs in moving your water heater. This should be more than two hands (you may not do it better alone). Text or get in contact with you’re helping hands before the time of moving the water heater and get rid of a clash of schedule and of course, get to work!
While it is possible for you to move your water heater using these simple guides, it is also acceptable and far better to consult and seek the help of a professional. If you will be out of schedule and will not have the time to move the water heater by you. Do keep in mind that you need to be careful and mindful of the glass lining metal casing, anode rod and the dip tube because, without them, your water heater is useless. Following the aforementioned steps, you can move your water heater with the use of the mentioned materials/equipment and the help of a friend.
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