Burnham Indirect Water Heater ?

Iggy

Does anyone have any thoughts on Burnham Indirect Water Heaters ? I read a several threads claiming negative experiences with Burnham products

mattmia2

What series are you looking at? The stone lined ones are very durable but very heavy. If you have compatible water stainless tanks from other manufacturers may make more sense.

Mad Dog_2

I've installed Many Alliances (the heavy bums) never an issue for me.  Mad Dog 🐕 

pecmsg

Iggy said:

Does anyone have any thoughts on Burnham Indirect Water Heaters ? I read a several threads claiming negative experiences with Burnham products

In those threads how much blame is put on the installing contractor?

Can you post those negative reviews?

STEAM DOCTOR

Not all Burnham products are created equal. Are you comparing apples and apples. Burnham Independence steam boiler=👎👎👎. Burnham alliance=👍👍. 

Mad Dog_2

Did you have alot of problems with the Independence Steamers?  Mad Dog 🐕 

STEAM DOCTOR

Lots of problems with the independence. Short lifespans. Lots of failures in 10-15 year range. Mostly see Burnham and Weil McLain. Talking about gas steamers. Residential. The WM easily have double the lifespan, in my findings 

Mad Dog_2

In the 1990s, we saw alot of WM Failures.  I never saw the Independence problems in my area...but I have heard that.  Mad Dog 🐕 

STEAM DOCTOR

@Mad Dog_2. How old were the WMs they were failing? Was it the boiler itself or the connections? Push- nipples or elastomer? 

Mad Dog_2

They were mostly the first generation of the Elastomeric section rings...whatever year they came out with the them..(early 80s??)   I believe WM found it was Petroleum based additives that caused the leaks.  WM stood by their brand which was noble.  Personally, I'm not crazy about joining boiler sections WITHOUT the steel push nipples.  You put Fire 🔥 Cast Iron and rubber together...Rubber loses.  That being said, I've put in  plenty of WMs (residential & commercial & Williamsons...VG boilers.  Mad Dog 🐕 

hot_rod

I think ghat us a stone lined tank built by Vaughn. They last a long time, very heavy to move around

Used to be they had a finned copper coil. Those could scale up with hard water. Some had a removable coil  and a hand hole to service

Iggy

I've had two contractors suggest the Burnham AL70SL

I'll locate the threads, I'll locate the comments and post them. It was in these forums. Thanks

Mad Dog_2

I remember Vaughns....Heavy....Mad Dog 🐕 

flat_twin

As a Taxi fan, I can't read any of your posts Iggy without hearing Reverend Jim speaking. LOL! Sorry no comment on Burnham indirects, but have had good service from a 40 gal Bock.

Big Ed_4

I remember when Vaughn first came out , then the Alliance came out . Thought it was the one of the same . I had a few heat exchangers fail under warranty . It would not be a problem to replace heat exchanger , yet Burnham gave us a new tank . I prefer an indirect with a bigger boiler supply . I am not a fan of stainless . They sound like a good idea , but I seen too many leak with poor welds .