What Happens to My Old Water Heater Tank? Hassle-Free Removal & Return Explained

If you’ve recently upgraded to a new water heater, you're probably wondering: 

“What do I do with my old tank?” 

“Can someone just take care of it for me?” 

You’re not alone, these are some of the most common questions we get. And the good news? 

You don’t have to worry about a thing. 

At Go Lime, we believe in making your water heater replacement process completely stress-free, from installation to paperwork and yes, even the part most people forget returning your old water heater to your previous provider. 

Whether your old tank was rented through Reliance, Enercare, LG Home Comfort or another supplier, we take care of the return on your behalf, so you don’t have to lift a finger or deal with the hassle of scheduling pickups, filling out forms, or worrying about hidden charges. 

Let’s walk you through exactly how it works and why choosing Go Lime means one less thing on your to-do list. 

Why Do I Need to Return My Old Water Heater? 

If your previous water heater was under a rental agreement (with companies like Enercare, Reliance, LG Home Comfort etc.), it technically still belongs to them even after it’s disconnected. Most rental companies require the unit to be returned within 30 calendar days to avoid any additional charges. 

If you don’t return it in time, they may continue billing you or even charge you a penalty. That’s why it’s important to handle it promptly and that’s exactly where we come in. 

So, How Does the Return Process Work? 

Here’s a simple breakdown of what we do: 

1. We Disconnect and Remove Your Old Tank 

The first step happens during your new installation. Our licensed technicians safely disconnect and remove your existing water heater. There’s no need for you to lift a finger. 

Q: Do I need to keep any parts from the old tank? 

A: No. We take everything that’s part of the old system unless otherwise requested. 

2. We Tag and Store the Tank Properly 

Before pickup or drop-off, we properly label and prepare the tank to make sure the rental company can identify it as yours. This avoids any mix-ups or delays on their end. 

3. We Return It on Your Behalf 

You don’t have to worry about transporting it or making any calls. We handle the full return process including coordinating with your previous provider. 

Q: What if I don’t know who my previous provider was? 

A: Don’t worry, we’ll confirm that for you based on the tank model and rental tags. 

4. We Keep It Within the 30-Day Window 

Timeliness is key. We make sure your old unit is returned within 30 calendar days of your new installation, so you’re never at risk of being overcharged by your old provider. 

Please Note: While we handle the return process on your behalf, Go Lime is not responsible for any billing or charges applied by your previous provider during this period. We recommend monitoring your rental account and contacting your provider directly if you have concerns about ongoing charges. 

Q: Will I get confirmation once the tank is returned? 

A: If you request it, yes! We can provide confirmation from the return location or provider. 

What If I Want to Keep the Old Tank? 

Some customers ask this, especially if they think they can use the old unit for scrap or parts. If it was owned, that’s up to you. 

But if it was rented, you must return it or you risk being charged for a full replacement value by the rental company. 

Have More Questions? 

We know water heater swaps can be confusing, especially with all the rental agreements and fine print. If you’re unsure about your situation, just reach out to our team. We’ll walk you through your options and take care of the details. 

Final Thoughts 

Buying a new water heater is a big improvement for your home but dealing with the old one shouldn’t be a headache. That’s why homeowners across Ontario trust Go Lime to take care of the entire process, from start to finish. 

Here’s what you can count on with us: 

Safe Removal: Our licensed and experienced technicians safely disconnect and remove your old tank without causing any damage to your property. You don’t need to lift a finger, we handle everything. 

No-Hassle Return: We take care of returning your old rental water heater to your previous provider - no scheduling, no waiting on hold, no paperwork for you. We’ve built efficient systems to ensure your tank gets where it needs to go. 

On-Time Handling: We guarantee the return is made within the required 30-day window, so you avoid unnecessary charges or penalties from your old rental provider. 

Zero Surprises: No hidden fees, no unexpected steps. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, and you can always reach out if you have questions or concerns. 

Have Questions or Need Help? 

We’re here for you. Whether you’re ready to book your water heater replacement or simply want to ask about your old tank, our friendly team is just a call or click away. 

Call us at +1 (877) 747-8292 Or fill out our quick contact form here. We’ll get back to you within one business day.