Hot Water Heaters only weigh about 100 pounds and don't have a motor like many other appliances. Here's a few things you can do to get a little more out of them. Disclaimer: Not saying there isn't more in there or this is the best way of doing it, it's just the way I do it. I will only waste so much trying to squeak a little more out of something before I say F it.
On the top (not shown) if your lucky they left some copper pipe. Often times it's stuck pretty good so if it doesn't budge I cut it as low as possible and move on. On the side, upper top is the relief valve, down low you have the gas valve and the drain spigot (sometimes plastic, not brass).
On the gas valve cut the thermo coupler as close as possible, cut the aluminum pilot light pipe, and unscrew the bolt holding the gas line. Pull the whole burner assembly out and set aside.
Next I use a hammer to break the valve body free and get it to turn. It has pipe dope on it so it might take a few good hits before it starts to spin. If it doesn't want to budge I move on.
Next I take the brass drain spigot out.
Next the pressure valve. Large crescent wrench works sometimes, I prefer vise grips.
That is it for the parts I remove, next post will be what to do with the parts.
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