Temporarily moving gas water heater

[Mrkev]

Hi, I need to work on my wall behind my water gas water heater. I want to move it about 4ft temporarily. My plan was to turn water and gas off, let it cool, drain, move, temp. Install longer vent, pex supply lines, and longer gas flex. Any other tips for me?

 

[Reach4]

(edit: confused first paragraph removed)

I would take the opportunity to flush the WH of sediment. I would also consider swapping the anode, but that would probably take an impact wrench.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

PEX (water) supply lines can't be within the last 18" of the WH connection (and should stay clear of the vent/chimney)...you must either use metal flex lines, or hard pipe it with copper. The only other gotcha you might have is if you cannot maintain the proper slope of the gas vent line...it depends on how tall it is, and where the vent line currently runs relative to the top of the WH. In a garage, you need to protect the thing from being potentially hit, and if it isn't a newer version with the FLIR (?) mods, it needs to be up off of the garage floor. If you're required, you might need earthquake straps, even if it is only temporary. There might be more that I'm not aware of.

 

[FullySprinklered]

Did one for a customer last year. About a four foot move. Time and effort involved cost the same as a w/h replacement at my rates. Moving it back not included. Yep, surprised me too. Buy the crimp tool, forget the plumber. Sorry, guys.

 

[Mrkev]

Thanks for the tips! My vent wont be an issue as the ceiling has been removed so I just need to rearrange the sections a bit. Ya a bit of a pain. If it was up to me, I would just leave it disconnected for a few days while I did my work, but the wife........