PJ505 t1_j6fxz82 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 1:27 AM

Appliance dolly.

NotWorthTheTimeX t1_j6g55i5 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 2:17 AM

This is the answer. An appliance dolly used properly with the straps and two people. One person at the top and one at the bottom. Going slow and steady. It will be out in no time. I feel his pain and once helped install a 50 gallon hybrid water heater.

j45780 OP t1_j6g6dfu wrote on January 30, 2023 at 2:26 AM

I replaced it with a hybrid 50 gallon; it's much lighter.

NotWorthTheTimeX t1_j6g6w7q wrote on January 30, 2023 at 2:28 AM

The 50 gallon is only 63 pounds lighter than the 80 (281 vs 218 for Rheem). Still a two person job with stairs.

NotWorthTheTimeX t1_j6g6j8y wrote on January 30, 2023 at 2:26 AM

Nice!! How many years did your 80 last? The 50 I helped install is about 6 years old now and problem free so far.

j45780 OP t1_j6g7v78 wrote on January 30, 2023 at 2:35 AM

About 11 years. It has two fault codes: one for low coolant pressure and another one for failed upper element (which i could not budge).