Water Heater Removal Cost: What You'll Actually Pay [2026]

Water heater removal pricing depends on whether you need just the haul-away or the full disconnection. Here is what each option costs based on verified 2026 data:

Scrap metal yards are the best deal for standalone water heater disposal. Old water heaters contain steel, copper fittings, and sometimes brass — all valuable to scrap dealers. According to iScrapApp and multiple scrap yard sources, you can expect to receive $7–$30 for a standard residential tank and up to $50 for commercial units. Many scrap companies will even pick up for free if you have a large enough load. Reddit's r/askaplumber community confirms that plumbing supply houses also accept old water heaters for recycling at no charge.

Retailer haul-away is the easiest option if you are buying a new water heater. Lowe's includes removal of the old unit when their independent installer delivers and installs a new one. Home Depot offers the same — their installer hauls away the old heater as part of the installation package. Total installation including haul-away runs $320–$1,414+ depending on the heater and complexity.

City bulk pickup is free in most cities. Schedule through 311 or your local public works department. Water heaters are typically accepted as metal appliances, but some cities require them to be drained and disconnected first. Wait times range from 2–8 weeks. The water heater must be at the curb on your scheduled day.

Junk removal companies charge $85–$267 for water heater removal. LoadUp starts at $89 in most markets for water heater disposal with upfront pricing online. Their national average starts at $105. Homewyse calculates the basic cost to remove a water heater at $84.87–$267 as of January 2026. Thumbtack estimates about $100 for standalone disposal.

Plumber or contractor removal costs $100–$500 according to Angi. This price typically includes disconnecting the water heater from plumbing and gas lines, draining it, and hauling it away. If you only need haul-away for a unit already disconnected and drained, this is overpaying for services you do not need.

1-800-GOT-JUNK handles water heater removal as part of their full-service offering. They advise placing the water heater at the curb during your pickup week. Pricing is volume-based with on-site estimates required — expect $150–$250+ for a single water heater pickup.

Yes. Four free options exist for old water heater disposal:

• •Scrap metal yards: The most reliable free option. Water heaters have enough metal value ($7–$30) that most scrap yards accept them gladly. Some mobile scrap collectors will pick up from your curb at no charge. Search "scrap metal pickup near me" to find local options.

• •Plumbing supply houses: According to multiple plumber forums, local plumbing supply houses often maintain a drop-off spot for old water heaters and accept them for recycling at no cost. Call your nearest supply house to confirm.

• •Retailer haul-away: When purchasing a new water heater from Lowe's or Home Depot with installation, the old unit removal is included in the installation package. No separate disposal fee.

• •City bulk pickup: Free in most cities with a scheduled collection. Water heaters must be drained and at the curb. Wait times are 2–8 weeks.

Several factors change what you pay for water heater disposal:

• •Disconnection needed: If the water heater is still connected to plumbing and gas or electric lines, you need a plumber or contractor to disconnect it safely ($100–$300 for the disconnection alone). Gas water heaters especially should be disconnected by a professional. If the unit is already disconnected and drained, curbside services like Dropcurb at $79 are the most affordable option.

• •Tank size: Standard residential water heaters are 40–50 gallons and weigh 100–150 pounds when empty. Larger 75–100 gallon commercial units weigh 150–200+ pounds and may require two people or equipment to move. Tankless water heaters weigh only about 27 pounds and are much easier to handle.

• •Drained vs. full: A 40-gallon water heater full of water weighs over 400 pounds. It must be drained before removal — no hauler will take a full tank. Draining takes 20–40 minutes via the drain valve at the bottom.

• •Location: A water heater in a basement, attic, or tight utility closet is harder to remove than one in a garage at ground level. Full-service companies charge $25–$75 extra per flight of stairs. Curbside services avoid this entirely — you just need to get it outside.

• •Scrap metal prices: Current steel prices of $0.05–$0.08 per pound determine scrap payout. When steel prices are high, scrap companies are more eager to pick up for free. When prices drop, some may charge a small fee.

Here is what water heater disposal costs in five major metros based on local service data:

Five ways to cut your water heater disposal cost:

• •Take it to a scrap yard yourself: If you have a truck or can borrow one, scrap yards will pay you $7–$30 for the metal. A 40-gallon tank weighs about 100–150 pounds empty — heavy but manageable with a hand truck or dolly. Some scrap companies do free pickup.

• •Ask your plumbing supply house: Call local plumbing supply stores and ask if they accept old water heaters. Many do, for free. This is an insider tip from plumbers who deal with this regularly.

• •Time it with a new purchase: If you are replacing your water heater through Lowe's, Home Depot, or a local plumber, haul-away of the old unit is almost always included in the installation price. Do not pay separately for disposal if a new one is being installed.

• •Use curbside instead of full-service: If the water heater is already disconnected and drained, getting it to the curb saves you $50–$170 compared to full-service companies. Use a hand truck or appliance dolly. Dropcurb charges $79 flat for curbside pickup versus $150–$250+ for companies that come inside.

• •Bundle with other items: If you have additional junk, appliances, or furniture to remove, the per-item cost drops with most services. Dropcurb offers discounted rates for additional items on the same pickup.

You need a plumber or qualified technician to disconnect a water heater from plumbing and gas lines safely. This is especially true for gas water heaters — improper disconnection can cause gas leaks. Electric water heaters should be disconnected from the circuit breaker first.

However, if the water heater is already disconnected and drained (which happens when a plumber installs a new one and leaves the old unit behind), you do not need a plumber for disposal. This is a common scenario — many plumbers will install a new water heater but leave the old one for the homeowner to deal with. In this case, a curbside service like Dropcurb at $79 is the fastest and most affordable option.

To drain a water heater yourself: Turn off the gas or electricity, close the cold water inlet valve, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom, and run the hose outside or to a drain. Let it drain for 20–40 minutes. Open a hot water faucet in the house to break the vacuum and speed up draining.