Waterbed Removal Services - What Are They And How Can You Find Them?

Specialist removal services are often required when you want to remove or dispose of household items and furniture that are heavy or awkward to move. Waterbed removal services are helpful if you want to move your waterbed or safely dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way. You could also recycle or repurpose an old waterbed into other unique pieces of furniture, instead of throwing it away.

Waterbed removal service operators utilize specialized equipment to maneuver and remove a waterbed and then dispose of it safely. Such service providers can be found through a local service directory, phonebook, and social media. Waterbed removal services charge from $60 to $360, depending on the location and size of the waterbed. Most traditional movers will also move a waterbed.

A waterbed can hold 80-235 gallons of water, depending on its size. That water will need to be completely drained before the bed can be moved as we explain in our article that provides waterbed draining instructions. A removal company, like this one, might request that you do that before they arrive, or they may assist you with the draining process as this company does.

A waterbed will need to be drained of all water before moving it. Image Source: Waterbed.com.au.

What Is The Difference Between Waterbed Moving Services Vs. Waterbed Disposal Services?

When moving a waterbed to another location it is important to drain and disassemble the bed while ensuring that you package and store each part to reassemble it again easily. Disposing of a waterbed is a completely different service.

The difference between waterbed moving services and waterbed disposal is that moving service providers will move the waterbed from one location to another whereas disposal service will scrap a waterbed and safely reduce it to its recyclable components.

Our article on how to disassemble a sleigh bed has many useful tips for storing every piece of hardware that you can use for waterbeds too. If you are moving your waterbed to a new house, then both you and the moving company need to take extra care to ensure that the vinyl is protected against scuffs, tears, or accidental punctures during the process. Our article that explains how to fix an airbed leak has some helpful information that you could use to fix a damaged waterbed temporarily until you can have it repaired professionally. As this article from Utah University states, waterbed vinyl is extremely strong and is unlikely to easily burst or tear - but it is still a good idea to store your empty waterbed bladder in a heavy-duty storage bag like this one when it has been removed.

Don't just dump your old waterbed in a landfill or dumping site as the materials will often not decompose naturally, in an environmentally friendly way. Specialized disposal companies have the means and methods to break down materials like vinyl into usable components that can be recycled or repurposed.

The vinyl material in a waterbed doesn't decompose naturally and will need to be safely disposed of. Image Source: Amazon.

Will Traditional Movers Move A Waterbed?

Traditional movers like this one in California can move a waterbed if asked. Unless the mover explicitly says that waterbed moving is one of the services they offer, it is best to make inquiries to clarify if they have the equipment and expertise to move a waterbed. The waterbed bladder is not the only part of the waterbed that should be considered when moving - the waterbed frame is equally large and difficult to move. Our article on how to move a platform bed has step-by-step instructions that you can also follow when moving a waterbed bed.

You may also be interested in learning the differences between an air bed vs. a waterbed as well as if a waterbed is good for your back. So be sure to check those related articles out too.

Waterbed Removal Services Vs. Junk Removal Services

Junk removal services could probably remove a waterbed from your home but it is highly unlikely that they will correctly dispose of the waterbed parts in an eco-friendly manner. In this instance it would be better to contact a specialized waterbed removal company - your local waterbed retailer might be able to recommend someone to you.

Key differences between waterbed removal services vs. junk removal services are that waterbed removal services cost more because they have specialized equipment to handle waterbeds. Regular junk removal services can also dispose of waterbeds, however, they do not have the specialized equipment to dispose or repurpose waterbeds in an environmentally-safe way.

The waterbed frame and mattress will require different disposal methods. Image Source: TheAtlantic.com.

How To Find A Waterbed Removal Service

If you own a waterbed, you can contact the store where you bought it to find out if they have reliable removal service contacts that they can share with you. Local community notice boards and directories will also have a list of companies that could help you remove your waterbed.

To find a waterbed removal service check the phone book or service directory, search for these services online, or ask a community Facebook group for suggestions of waterbed removal companies.

Phone Book or Services Directory

Some people still keep physical phonebooks where many advertised services can be located.

A website like Phonebook.com has a searchable online phone book that is up-to-date and location-specific.

Online Search on Yelp or Angie's List

Online searches offer you more advanced search functions that allow you to explain the type of removal service you need, as well as determine a suitable price range. When you sign-up with your email, your search preferences, and history are easily accessible for future searches you may conduct when requiring waterbed removal.

Local Facebook Groups

Community groups on social media have many benefits, including supporting local businesses and recommending those businesses when they exceed your expectations. By asking other community members for recommendations of waterbed removal companies, you are able to ask questions about the level of service offered and the overall satisfaction of other people who have used that service.

Instagram

Instagram has a geolocation positioning feature that allows you to search services close to you, either by sharing your location or by using hashtags. If you follow other user profiles in your neighborhood then you could also ask them about waterbed removal service recommendations. Users on social media platforms are usually only too willing to promote their local businesses.

You might be interested in learning about the cost to maintain a waterbed in your home. If so, be sure to take a look at our complete guide to waterbed costs for more information. Similarly, if you've always wondered how to keep your waterbed temperature just where you like it, be sure to check out our quick tips for waterbed temperature control.

How To Repurpose A Waterbed Mattress

You might have bought your waterbed at the height of the trend, but are now wanting a bed that takes up less space and is less cumbersome.

To repurpose a waterbed mattress, fill it with air and use it as a pool floatation device, outdoor cushion, or a comfortable bed for a pet. The mattress could also be cut up and used for a variety of purposes including a weed blocker in the garden. The wooden frame can be repurposed into a shelf or a bench for your porch.

Use It As A Lake Or Pool Float

You can repurpose your old waterbed mattress by draining its water and filling it with air so that it can be used as a pool float for yourself or for your kids.

Make Cushions Out Of It

You can repurpose your waterbed mattress into a dog bed or outdoor cushions because they will be water-resistant and easy to wipe clean. You will need to use a strong sewing machine like this with an industrial needle like this when sewing these cushions

Use The Plastic As Weed Blocker

Your waterbed mattress may be recycled in different ways, one of those ways is using the vinyl as a weed blocker in the garden. Your waterbed mattress is not biodegradable so it will serve as a good barrier against weeds that continuously sprout up between flagstones and driveway paving. Lay the vinyl directly on the soil and then layer your paving stones like these or garden pebbles like these on top of it.

As you're discarding your old waterbed, you might be interested to learn that they aren't even made anymore. Make sure to take a look at why manufacturers discontinued waterbeds for more information.

Waterbeds in 2026: What You Need to Know

Waterbeds have evolved since their 1970s heyday, but they still come with unique maintenance requirements and trade-offs. Here is a practical look at modern waterbed ownership.

Modern Waterbed Facts

• Waveless technology has largely solved the motion transfer problem. Modern waterbeds use fiber baffles or wave reduction layers to minimize sloshing.
• Ongoing costs include a heater ($10–$20/month electricity), water conditioner ($10–$15/year), and occasional repairs.
• Weight concerns are real - a filled queen waterbed weighs 1,500–2,000 pounds. Not all floors can support this, especially on upper stories.
• Leak risk remains the biggest downside. Even small punctures can cause significant water damage to flooring and subfloors.

Modern Alternatives

If you love the contouring feel of water but want to avoid the maintenance, hybrid mattresses with memory foam comfort layers deliver similar body-conforming support without the leak risk, heater costs, or weight concerns.

The Saatva Classic ($1,779 Queen) offers plush contouring through its Euro pillow top, combined with responsive coil support. Zero maintenance, zero leak risk, and includes a 365-night home trial with free white-glove delivery and lifetime warranty.

Waterbed Removal Services: Modern Waterbed Guide

Waterbeds were popular in the 1970s–1990s but have been largely replaced by foam and hybrid mattresses. Here is current information for waterbed owners and those considering alternatives.

Current Waterbed Reality

• Market share: Less than 5% of mattress sales (down from 20%+ in the 1980s)
• Availability: Limited retailers still sell waterbeds; most have transitioned to foam/hybrid
• Maintenance: Requires water conditioner (every 6 months), periodic temperature adjustment, and leak monitoring
• Weight: A filled Queen waterbed weighs 1,500–2,000 lbs - requires floor strength verification

Modern Alternatives

If you enjoyed the waterbed experience, modern alternatives include: memory foam (similar pressure relief without the maintenance), adjustable air mattresses (Sleep Number, Saatva Solaire), and latex mattresses (responsive, temperature-neutral).

Related: mattress alternatives | mattress lifespan.

The Saatva Classic provides pressure relief similar to waterbeds without the maintenance. 365-night trial.