How Much Is a Hot Water Heater Worth in Scrap?
Learn the true worth of your old hot water heater for scrap. Get practical insights on maximizing its recycling value.
Disposing of an old hot water heater often raises questions about its potential value. Understanding the scrap potential of these bulky appliances can turn a disposal task into an opportunity to recover some worth.
Valuable Materials in Hot Water Heaters
Hot water heaters contain several types of metal valuable in the scrap market. Copper is a highly sought-after material, commonly found in electric heating elements, internal tubing, and some wiring. Its excellent electrical conductivity makes it valuable for recycling. Brass, known for its durability, is typically present in fittings, valves, and sometimes gas regulators.
The main body of most tank-style water heaters is constructed from steel, forming the large outer casing and internal tank. While less valuable per pound than copper or brass, steel contributes significantly to the unit’s overall weight. Some models may also include aluminum components, such as anode rods or pilot light pipes. Identifying these materials helps understand a hot water heater’s scrap potential.
Factors Determining Scrap Value
The scrap value of a hot water heater is influenced by market and material-specific factors. Current market prices for metals like copper, brass, and steel fluctuate daily, directly impacting the payout from a scrap yard. Copper and brass fetch higher prices per pound than steel, which is typically categorized as light iron shred.
The weight of the water heater is another primary determinant, as scrap yards typically pay by the pound. An empty tank-style water heater can weigh anywhere from 90 to 600 pounds, with common residential units (40-50 gallons) averaging 106 to 140 pounds. Electric water heaters generally contain more valuable copper in their heating elements and wiring compared to gas models, which are primarily steel.
Scrapping a water heater as a whole unit, processed as light steel shred, yields a much lower value, often between $7 and $30. However, separating higher-value components like copper and brass can significantly increase the total return. The presence of non-metal contaminants, such as insulation or plastic, can also reduce the overall value and may result in a lower price per pound.
Preparing for Scrap
Before transporting a hot water heater to a scrap yard, safely drain all water from the tank to avoid messes and reduce weight. After draining, disconnect the water heater from its power source (electrical or gas line) and all water lines.
To maximize scrap return, carefully remove and separate valuable components like copper pipes, brass fittings, and heating elements. Electric heating elements often contain a copper sheath and internal wiring that can be salvaged. Always follow safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring the unit is fully depressurized and unpowered.
Scrapping Your Hot Water Heater
Locate a suitable scrap metal yard. Call local yards beforehand to inquire about their specific acceptance policies for water heaters. Some yards may require certain components, like gas valves or heating elements, to be removed, or that the unit be completely drained. Confirming these details in advance can prevent wasted trips.
Transporting the water heater requires a vehicle capable of handling its significant weight and bulk, as a 50-gallon unit can easily weigh over 100 pounds empty. Securely loading the unit to prevent shifting during transit is also important. At the scrap yard, the water heater will be weighed, and its materials identified by personnel. Payment is then calculated based on the weight of the materials and prevailing scrap metal prices.