How Much Can You Get for Scrapping a Water Heater?

Disposing of an old water heater can be more than just a chore; it presents an opportunity to recover value. Instead of sending it to a landfill, scrapping allows its components to be recycled. This process contributes to environmental sustainability and provides a small financial return.

Factors Influencing Scrap Value

The amount of money you receive for scrapping a water heater depends on its material composition, weight, and the current market prices for scrap metal. Most water heaters are predominantly made of steel, a ferrous metal that yields a lower price per pound compared to non-ferrous metals like copper or brass. However, internal components such as heating elements, dip tubes, and some piping or valves often contain more valuable copper and brass.

The overall weight of the water heater directly impacts its scrap value, as metal is sold by weight. A larger capacity water heater, such as a 50 or 80-gallon unit, will naturally weigh more than smaller models, typically ranging from 100 to over 200 pounds when empty. Current scrap metal prices fluctuate daily based on global market demand, making it advisable to check with local scrap yards for their most up-to-date rates. Prices can vary significantly by region and over time. Generally, a whole water heater might be worth between $7 and $30, though separating the more valuable metals can increase this return.

Preparing Your Water Heater for Scrap

Proper preparation of your water heater maximizes its scrap value and ensures a smooth transaction at the recycling facility. The first step involves safely draining all water from the tank to reduce its weight and prevent spills during transport. This can typically be done by attaching a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the heater and directing the water to a suitable drainage area, while also opening a hot water faucet inside the house to allow air into the system.

Before moving the unit, safely disconnect all utility connections; for electric heaters, this means turning off the power at the circuit breaker, and for gas heaters, shutting off the gas supply. If you are uncertain about safely disconnecting these lines, consulting a qualified professional is advisable to prevent injury or damage. Removing non-metallic components, such as plastic parts, insulation, and outer casings, is recommended because these materials reduce the overall metal weight and can sometimes incur disposal fees at the scrap yard. Separating the more valuable copper and brass components from the steel tank can significantly increase your payout, as these non-ferrous metals command a much higher price per pound than steel.

The Scrap Yard Process

Once your water heater is properly prepared, the next step involves finding a suitable scrap metal recycling facility. You can locate local scrap yards through online searches or by checking local directories. It is advisable to call ahead to inquire if they accept water heaters, confirm their current pricing for both steel and any separated copper or brass, and ask about any specific preparation requirements they might have.

Transporting the water heater to the scrap yard typically requires a truck or a trailer due to its size and weight. Upon arrival, the scrap yard will weigh the material, often on a large vehicle scale for the main steel tank and on smaller scales for any separated non-ferrous metals. Be prepared to provide identification, as many scrap yards are required by law to record seller information, including a government-issued photo ID and vehicle details, to deter theft and ensure traceability. Payment for scrap metal is generally based on the weighed amount of each metal type. While some transactions might involve cash for smaller amounts, many states and local jurisdictions have regulations that restrict or prohibit cash payments for scrap metal, especially for higher values or certain types of metals like copper, often requiring payment by check or electronic transfer to create a verifiable transaction record.