WM combi heat exchanger bad in 3 years

ChrisJ

My sister's WM combi unit needs a heat exchanger and I think it's only 3 years old.

I'm assuming this isn't normal, is there anything typical that causes such a failure this fast that I mention to her?

Unit runs on LPG and they have well water. Unfortunately I don't know much more than this at this point.

hot_rod

Is it leaking? If so where?

Water quality
Inadequate flow
Combustion not dialed in

ChrisJ

hot_rod said:

Is it leaking? If so where?

Water quality
Inadequate flow
Combustion not dialed in

I doubt it's leaking, but how do these work with domestic hot water? That's fresh water being fed into it somewhere?


The other 3..........I wouldn't be surprised if all 3 are issues.


EDIT : I just realized you meant is the heat exchanger leaking. I'll ask.

EBEBRATT-Ed

If it was installed right it should last 3 years if you do nothing to it. Unless something unforeseen happened to it.

hot_rod

ChrisJ said:

hot_rod said:

Is it leaking? If so where?

Water quality
Inadequate flow
Combustion not dialed in

I doubt it's leaking, but how do these work with domestic hot water? That's fresh water being fed into it somewhere?


The other 3..........I wouldn't be surprised if all 3 are issues.


EDIT : I just realized you meant is the heat exchanger leaking. I'll ask.

I was thinking in terms of the boiler (HX). Is it the flat plate HX for DHW that is leaking?
Most brazed plate type, O ring connections into a composite block, one or two pinch bolt keeping it together.

ChrisJ

I'm told the return tube to the heat exchanger is leaking at a factory connection where's it's crimped.

Their contractor is working with WM to try and get it replaced 

It sounds like it's caused damage to a board as well 

HomerJSmith

Have your well water tested. Well water can have a lot of minerals in it. That can plug up the heat exchanger.

kcopp

Is this the Aqua balance?

ChrisJ

kcopp said:

Is this the Aqua balance?

Yessir

She just sent me this