I scrap them when they come my way, usually illegally dumped and a couple of plumbing contractors bring them to us. Like everyone has said I take any brass, copper and aluminum off first, Then add it to the light steel pile, only pennies a pound now, but those pennies will add up to dollars, water heater $2 to $4 in light steel.



Ironically mine went out Saturday morning, so I installed the new one Saturday night. The new one has electronic ignition with automatic pilot light system to light the main gas burner (pilot light only on demand), microprocessor-controlled electronic gas valve for precise operation microprocessor-controlled electronic gas valve has more precise operation, with electronic sensors that supposed to save energy and water. A little different than the old one, seemed a bit odd plugging a gas water heater to a 110 outlet. I hope it just last as long as the old one (21 years).

As this thread brought up the subject of how different things are called, in different areas. I'll add a couple from growing up in rural Arkansas. “fixin’ to.” Has nothing to do with fixing anything, Simply means I’m fixin’ to go somewhere or do something. A "turtle hull" refers to the trunk of a car (never understood that one). The very confusing, "over yonder", with a person almost always pointing or looking in a certain direction, but meaning anywhere but here!

So "Hot water heater" or "water heater" could all depend on where you come from!