Cutting drywall is definitely the lesser evil compared to wrestling a rusty tank through a tight squeeze. I’ve seen folks try to “just squeeze it by” and end up with a pinhole leak in a copper line—water everywhere, and suddenly you’re not just replacing a heater but drying out your basement too. Have you checked if there’s any flex in the pipes or if they’re rigid all the way? Sometimes a little give makes removal way easier, but if everything’s locked in, I’d rather patch some drywall than risk a plumbing nightmare.
Man, you nailed it—nothing like a “quick squeeze” turning into a full-blown indoor pool situation. I once watched my uncle try to muscle a tank out without cutting anything, and he ended up with a geyser from a copper elbow. Drywall’s way less dramatic to fix than soggy carpet, trust me.
That “geyser from a copper elbow” visual is too real—I’ve been there, except it was my own kitchen and I learned the hard way that towels are no match for a pressurized leak. If you’re seeing rust, honestly, I’d lean toward replacing the tank. Even if you patch it up, you’re just buying time until the next indoor waterfall. Plus, newer models are way more energy-efficient, which is good for your wallet and the planet. Drywall’s a breeze compared to moldy insulation—trust me, I still have nightmares about that cleanup.
Yep, once you see rust, that tank’s on borrowed time. Patching might hold for a bit, but the risk just isn’t worth it—especially if you’ve ever had to rip out soggy drywall or, worse, deal with that musty smell from wet insulation. I’ve swapped out more water heaters than I can count, and the newer units really do save a chunk on the energy bill. Only exception I’d make is if it’s a super minor surface spot and the tank’s pretty new... but that’s rare.
Patching might hold for a bit, but the risk just isn’t worth it—especially if you’ve ever had to rip out soggy drywall or, worse, deal with that musty smell from wet insulation.
Man, I hear you on the musty smell. Had a tenant once who tried to “just keep an eye on it” after spotting rust. Two weeks later, I’m knee-deep in water and ruined carpet. Lesson learned: tanks don’t give second chances.