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Re: [Solved] Taco VT2218 Rattling Sound
I wanted to update y'all, it's been a minute.
So, I reached out to Taco with videos of the problem, and they didn't say much explicitly about the noise, but they agreed that I should warranty the pump through where I bought it (Zoro). Zoro accepted the return request. Before sending it out, I ordered a new pump from PexUniverse, which has a newer date code on it by a few months. Looks like it was built in 2025. Otherwise, it looks exactly the same.
This new pump is SO much better. It actually is "whisper quiet" as the box says. So I wasn't going crazy, the only possible explanation has to be bad bearings. I am really happy with it.
I boxed up the old pump and will include a note to hopefully help whoever at Taco is inspecting it understand why I returned it.
I really appreciate you explaining all this and even making diagrams! That's super cool. You are right that it's a bit silly to keep trying to make this system work with such an oversized boiler.. but honestly it's just been a fun challenge for me :P I am not feeling bad about the money spent thus far.
While waiting for the new pump, I decided to run the boiler with the gas valve at '5' and the pump running in Delta-T mode targeting a 20F delta. I also opened my (undersized) bypass completely. Other than the bearing noise, which is gone now with the new pump, there have been no issues with the rest of the system. No signs of cavitation or trapped air or condensing or kettling. It has been working great; all the rooms are heating up quickly and we are comfortable at home. So, while it's maybe not the most efficient or perfectly designed system, I think I'm just gonna call it good enough now lol. When the boiler eventually dies, I'll start over and do it right.
That said, I did buy the parts to install a full sized bypass. I also will be moving the city water fill valve to right above the expansion tank like the diagrams in the boiler's manual. I think that should help out.
I'll update this post when the pump dies. If I get 5 years out of it then I will be happy lol. I am interested to see how long it lasts.
Thanks everyone for all the support and time you spent troubleshooting with me!!
Re: [Solved] Taco VT2218 Rattling Sound
I'd be interest to hear what Taco support suggests about noise and warranty
bjohnhy
Re: When to NOT use sharkbite? A question
Hi, I once had to sweat copper in a straw bale home. Took lots of precautions and all went well. Still, it was a bit nervous-making 😵💫
Yours, Larry
Wrestit wrench
Not a bad Idea. Probably China made. Ridjid should pick up this idea. Probably not good getting a wrench in a tight space.
Would make a Half A—-d vise.
Re: When to NOT use sharkbite? A question
I like sweat. Propress I don't care for. Is it fast? Yes. Is it good when working wet? You can't beat it.
Propress is great on long runs. Where I don't care for it is if you have to replace something and/or the fittings are close coupled you end up scrapping a lot of fittings. Never used a shark bite.
Personally I wouldn't bury or conceal a shark bite.
I would love to know if shark bite is acceptable on a large scale new construction job. Maybe some of our Engineers here can chime it.
I would suspect that engineers may not be willing to stamp a set of plans using Shark Bite
Re: Oldest Boiler
For sure that gas valve is not original. So a modulating gas valve could have operated from that valve/control thing. Some day when you get back there you may be able to get some closeup shots with numbers or something that might identify it.
"Enquiring minds want to know"
Re: Oldest Boiler
If there are no valves and an open expansion tank why do you need relief valves?
Re: When to NOT use sharkbite? A question
You could also rent a press gun, grab some Viega (only) fittings and press it.
You can also run pex, and rent a crimper, or buy a cheaper manual one at HD.
I'd probably do the pex over sharkbites if I were in your situation.
Or make friends with a plumber if you have something of value to trade with them.
Re: oversized water heater
Tell Rheem, not me 😅
But seriously, that document skips over the 122 range where it does kill it, it just takes longer.
I will also say that every year about 8,000 - 18,000 people in the US are hospitalized from Legionnaires from household plumbing (these are estimates because it's difficult to say exactly the source).
33,000 people in the US are hospitalized due to bathroom slip and fall accidents every year so I hope we can all chill a little bit with the heavy legionnaires concern in the home.
