Water Heater Removal

[rnbenton]

OK, so this is probably going to sound like a really dumb question. But, I am in the process of removing the original water heater from my boat. It is a Seaward 12 gal w/heat exchanger. Question is: Is there a way to drain this thing before I have to lift it out of a very tight space? The fresh water lines are located at the top of the front so won't drain the tank. I looked but don't see a drain valve. Does anyone have any idea where one might be located? I'm sure it has one but I can't find it.

The thought of lifting 12 gal of water as well as the heater is already making my back hurt.

 

[jrpar]

Should be on the botton left as you look at the side with the fresh water connections.
Original drain valves were some type of poly or nylon and may have been removed and a plug installed...

 

[MikeeH]

If you don't find a drain valve (which would be really weird) just drill a hole through it close to the bottom (make certain power and water is off/disconnected). You can even try to crush the unit to get it out easier.

 

[rnbenton]

Gents, a trick for you. I found the drain plug but it was totally inaccessable. So, a light bulb went on in the old noggin. Here's what I did.
1) disconnected both fresh water lines, in and out.
2) To the out I connected a hose and ran it to a 5 gallon bucket.
3) To the In I hooked my dink inflator.
4) Used the dink inflator air pressure to force the water out the other side and into the bucket.
5) After 2 buckets full I was able to easily lift out the old water heater.

What a mess. From the serial number I would guess this is the original water heater, had an 86 at the end of the number and my boat is an 87. The mess behind the water heater was disgusting. Will be REALLY happy to get a new heater installed!

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Originally posted by rnbenton

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[rawidman]

quote:

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Originally posted by rnbenton

Gents, a trick for you. I found the drain plug but it was totally inaccessable. So, a light bulb went on in the old noggin. Here's what I did.
1) disconnected both fresh water lines, in and out.
2) To the out I connected a hose and ran it to a 5 gallon bucket.
3) To the In I hooked my dink inflator.
4) Used the dink inflator air pressure to force the water out the other side and into the bucket.
5) After 2 buckets full I was able to easily lift out the old water heater.

What a mess. From the serial number I would guess this is the original water heater, had an 86 at the end of the number and my boat is an 87. The mess behind the water heater was disgusting. Will be REALLY happy to get a new heater installed!

quote:

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Originally posted by rnbenton

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I suppose you could have sucked it out also. Not being able to drain the water heater would have made it difficult to winterize.

 

[jrpar]

Nice going!
Good luck with the new install..
One suggestion. I added a few lengths of Alum bar stock under the case of the new heater to allow airflow under and around the new heater.

 

[sublimetime]

use deck king dry deck mats under the heater, they provide rot free, full even support,while still allowing full air circulation to prevent future rot.