Can I rotate my water heater?

It can likely be moved - but you should hire someone to do it. It's a big and tricky job. Especially because it looks like it's a gas water heater - so it's extra dangerous to mess with.

Hi Courtney, it would be best to check with a professional about the move you are consdering. There are many regulations about how close to walls these types of appliances can be installed. It might be more expensive than you think to have it moved just a few inches. A pro's advice would be best as they can take the entire area into consideration and may even have suggestions for you. Good luck! For real space conservation you might consider a tankless hot water heater.

Yep it can absolutely be moved but the copper water lines coming into the top of the water heater will have to be cut and reattached. I would call a professional honestly - I've always hated working with copper because of the need for a blow torch etc. If you're really handy with plumbing though they make fittings that will attached copper to PEX or PVC pipe and work really well. (they're called Sharkbite fittings.)

A couple of thoughts for in the future. Whenever you need to replace your water heater you may want to consider switching to an on demand water heater - they take up about as much space as a shoe box.

Another thought - we just bought a washer and dryer combo unit from Home Depot. They're not well known in the states but are very popular in Europe. We had our old one for several years and love that its only one machine and it does both. So, someday, when you need to replace your washer and dryer you might want to look into the combo units!

I assume you mean you want to move it to another side? you cannot turn it on it's side at all - you need a plumber to do that because the connections have to fit and it has to be done where it is not a hazard to your home or family

What is on the opposite sides of the walls in the laundry room?

I am wondering if perhaps some space between the studs can be 'borrowed', recessing either the appliances, water heater, or both, resulting in a little more floor space in the laundry room ?

I know it doesn't really answer your question if the water heater can be rotated, but another way to gain a couple more inches of floors space is to remove the baseboards behind the appliances.

http://www.thegarciahouse.com/2017/07/19/push-your-dryer-against-the-wall/

Also, have you thought about perhaps switching to a single washer/dryer combo all-in-one-appliance instead of having these two separate units?

https://www.thespruce.com/best-all-in-one-washer-dryer-4157676

I would have a plumber come give you an estimate to do the job, measure the width of space needed for the washer/dryer, and the total width of the space with the water heater area. Then ask his advice to reduce the footprint which will mean re-piping the area that could be spendy.

You could also look at switching to an on-demand water heater on the wall which if much smaller - and get rid of the big guy.

I'd have a professional come in and give you an estimate and just to see if it could be done.

It can be done. The supply lines on top would need to be rerouted. As well as the gas line. Your best bet would be to call a plumber to do this. One thing to consider is you would need access to the gas valve and controls for easy servicing.

A plumber might could

You would definitely need a plumber and he would have to get a permit to make sure this meets code. But it can be done. Not a DIY project.

You might consider doing with a tankless water heater in this case.

You should ask a professional just to be safe