Old radiator valve leak + first timer = HELP!

chaznied

I just got a quote to replace my boiler much higher than I thought
below is the estimate

Specs
106,000 BTUs
Efficiency 82.0% AFUE
Height 51in,Length33in Width 30-1/4in including vertical draft hood
Fuel Natural Gas
10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty
1year manufacturer’s warranty on parts
What’s Included with Your Installation:
Removal and disposal of old equipment.
New automatic water feeder with backflow preventer
Boiler to reinstall into existing supply and return piping.
Inspection of boiler’s venting system and chimney.

Jamie Hall

Please edit your comment to omit pricing. That's one thing we never do on the Wall.

SeanBeans

That quote regardless of whatever price is extremely vague.. vague to the point where this guy can just cut the pipes as close to the boiler as possible and hook right back up to it.

chaznied

ok, how many BTU's should I get for a house that is just under 1000 sq ft?

KC_Jones

chaznied said:

ok, how many BTU's should I get for a house that is just under 1000 sq ft?

If I was guessing I would say the smallest one they make, maybe the next size up. No way do you need 106k for 1000 sq ft, that is ludicrous. Half that would be crazy.

ethicalpaul

If you post some pictures from different angles from about 8 feet away of your boiler and nearby piping, we can help you know if the contractor using the "existing supply and return piping" is a good idea.

Try to find out which boiler model they are speccing. I agree strongly with @KC_Jones about the sizing.

The size of the house isn't the best metric to use to size a boiler by a long shot, but at that tiny size it's going to automatically be the smallest available boiler from any manufacturer. My house is an old drafty 1300 SF and it's still a little too small for the smallest boiler out there.

chaznied

chaznied

here it is
One of the things he said is that because my system is missing something, I forget what, that the boiler water was backing up into my house system and that I was drinking boiler water?

ethicalpaul

I'm ignorant about so many things, but these pictures are more confusing than I expected. Is this a gravity-feed hot water boiler with that big ol' expansion tank in the joists?

I was apparently mistakenly expecting it to be a steam system but that's on me. Edit: yep, I missed the whole first page.

This thread escalated quickly from a leaking radiator valve to a new boiler

JUGHNE

I see no pump, this must still be gravity flow?
Did the new install show a pump included?

chaznied

doesn't mention pump but...

"New automatic water feeder with backflow preventer"

KC_Jones

It mentions inspecting the venting, but doesn't mention how the water heater venting is obviously messed up.

I'm guessing the plan is to leave it gravity, or did the contractor not notice the lack of a pump?

I don't think the contractor that gave you that quote is the best choice, not by a long shot.

retiredguy

How did you get from a leaking valve to a boiler replacement. He did a crappy job on the rad valve and now he wants to replace the boiler. I do not see any water on the floor near the boiler so why replace it? It will most likely last for years. I would probably just add a small circ pump and aquastat and let a sleeping dog lie. I would send this guy out the door.

chaznied

Thank you everyone, i'm getting a second opinion, i'll keep you posted, this post has grown too long to not provide the ending...lol

chaznied

Update:

As of today, 1/2/2020, I have heat and no leaking radiators!
But, I have ugly copper now


Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do with that!? I've read about everything from painting the copper, chrome tape and covers.

Any and all suggestions will be appreciated, thanks in advance

Intplm.

An escutcheon at the floor and paint the copper is the quickest and probably the easiest thing to do here. Why not paint it the same color as the radiator?

mattmia2

You don't have a backflow preventer or an automatic feeder for that matter. Wouldn't be a terrible idea to add at least a backflow preventer and deal with that water heater.

Stormblessed

I have the same issue going on with my system. I might hire a pro. Not sure how I should go about finding one that is not a hack. 

Question on these old hot water systems do the pipes to the 2nd floor radiators run under the floor or down the walls. I ask because what If someday they leak 

retiredguy

@Stormblessed, I would suggest that you open a new thread and explain what you are looking to do and what you expect the results should be. You could post pictures of the boiler and near boiler piping, explain the problems you are having, and what work you think you need. The guys that monitor this site are very knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge. If you want a contractor you can get one here.

Jamie Hall

What's ugly about that copper? I think it's beautiul!

Stormblessed

@retiredguy great news it was leaking above the stem and I simply had to tighten the packing but 1/4 to 1/2 turn and it's dry as a bone. Thought I might have to repack with graphite but did not have to. 

mattmia2

You can usually put a little piece of string packing in there and tighten it down to stop a leak if the old packing has worn too much to still have something to compress.