How to dispose of a water heater

First: disconnect safely

A water heater is connected to water and either gas or electric power. Have it shut off and disconnected by a qualified person, especially gas units. We do not disconnect gas or plumbing.

Drain it

A full tank holds a lot of water and is extremely heavy. Turn off the power or gas, close the cold supply, attach a hose to the drain valve, and let it drain completely. Sediment can clog the valve on older tanks, so be patient.

Where it can go

• Installer haul-away: many plumbers take the old tank when they install a new one. Ask when you get a quote.
• Transfer station metal pile: many Maine towns accept water heaters with other metal. Check your town's rules and fees.
• Pickup: we take it as an appliance without refrigerant: $69 alone or free on a job.

Moving one out

Water heaters usually sit in basements with steep stairs. Even drained, a 40 or 50 gallon tank is awkward. Send a photo of the stairs.

Posted prices

Every job starts from the same posted price card. A single item is $64. A small job, up to about 1.5 cubic yards, is $119. A medium job, about 3 cubic yards or roughly a room, is $189. A large job, about 5 cubic yards or roughly a garage bay, is $239. An extra-large job, about 10 cubic yards, is $479, and anything past 10 cubic yards is $45 per yard. A mattress or box spring is $64 alone or $20 each on a job. A washer, dryer, stove or dishwasher is $69 alone and free on a job. A fridge, freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier is $99 alone or $35 on a job. A TV or monitor is a $15 add-on. Construction debris is the job price plus 20%. Estate cleanouts start at $499 and hoarding cleanouts at $599. The full list is on the pricing page.

Bundle it

If you are clearing a basement, add the old water heater to the job. It is free on a job, so the basement price covers it.

Tankless units and boilers

Send a photo. Caden will confirm whether it can go and the price.

Signs it is time to replace it

Rusty water, rumbling noises, leaks around the base and age past 10 to 12 years are common signs. If you are replacing it, plan the old tank's removal at the same time so it is not left in the basement.

Expansion tanks and parts

Small expansion tanks, old pipes and fittings can go with the water heater. Put loose parts in a box.

Mixed basement jobs

A water heater in a basement full of boxes and old furniture goes on one job priced by size, with the water heater free.

Gas versus electric

Electric units must have the breaker off and wires disconnected and capped. Gas units need the gas valve shut and the line capped by a qualified person. Either way, the tank should be drained. Once it is disconnected, we carry it out from the basement or utility closet.

How booking works

Send photos through the quote form or text them to (207) 333-1422. No card is needed to ask. Caden looks at the photos and sends your price. If it works for you, you pay from the link he sends and that confirms the slot. The price we send is the price you pay unless the pile changes. If you add things after the price goes out, the price is updated before work starts, not after.

Related: water heater removal, appliance removal, basement cleanouts

Related reading: How to dispose of a dishwasher.