No Heat on NYE Weekend: Replace Just Gas Valve or Whole Boiler

mrcolumbia

I have a Burnham Independence steam boiler installed in 2010. I moved into the house in 2019 and have not had any issues until today when it suddenly stopped firing. The heating guy came by and told me that the gas valve is shot. He also showed me a decent amount of corrosion in the bottom of the boiler, and evidence of leaking. He basically presented me with two options:

1. Replace just the gas valve and hope the boiler lasts for some time longer. He estimated it would be dead in a year.
   
2. Replace the entire boiler. It would be a Weil-McLain.
   

Ideally, I'd like to get more estimates and opinions, but it's winter here in the Northeast so I'm a bit under the gun timing wise. It is my family's intention to stay in this home forever. Given that, should I bite the bullet and spring for the new boiler, or patch it up and hope to get a few more years out of it?

I've attached pictures of the corrosion and drip marks and my entire setup below:

Steamhead

@mrcolumbia , we do not discuss pricing on this forum. You need to edit the prices out. Now. See:

https://heatinghelp.com/forum-user-manual

mrcolumbia

Steamhead said:

@mrcolumbia , we do not discuss pricing on this forum. You need to edit the prices out. Now. See:

https://heatinghelp.com/forum-user-manual

Sorry, I didn't know. I've updated it.

jesmed1

I'm just a homeowner/engineer, but if it were me, I'd spend $1 now to replace a gas valve and potentially extend the life of the boiler for a few more years, versus spending $10 for a new boiler now if it isn't absolutely necessary.

Especially now during the heating season when contractors are busy and you may not have the luxury of time getting more estimates.

That maybe buys you some time to do more research when the time does come to replace the boiler, and gives you time to get more/different estimates and consider your options.

offdutytech

If it's a reasonable repair cost, safe to operate and gets you heat it's a good band aid. If it's your forever home take the time to select a contractor who will size the boiler correctly and identify any other issues. Replacing the gas valve sounds like a fair return on your investment to buy you some time to replace it long term. 

realliveplumber

Lets see some pics of the corrosion, and overall of the boiler.

mattmia2

where is the boiler leaking?

EdTheHeaterMan

There are hundreds of Homeowners that find themselves here AFTER the boiler is installed incorrectly. You need to find a contractor that knows how to properly install steam boilers. Get educated on what is needed and if the contractor that is offering you an estimate does not understand how to install Steam... Thank them and show them the door

Lots of books and videos here to help you make the proper choice. Get the fix now and buy the boiler this summer.

mrcolumbia

@realliveplumber @mattmia2 While I have not witnessed the leaking first hand myself, I see the evidence of corrosive drip marks at the very bottom (apologies, I don't know the technical terms for the locations on the boiler). I have attached pictures of that and my setup as a whole now.

clammy

Before taking there advice because he saw a few signs of corrosion ,does not the boiler has a hole . He should have over filled the boiler to the supply tapping or crown of the boiler and then inspected for leaks after 5 or 10 minutes . Removed all the burners being if it was leaking there would be evidence of the leakage . If you have not been adding water or are not required to add water every few day I would think he s just looking for some work . Just cause a gas valve is bad does not mean you need a new boiler . Personally I know a new gas valve no matter what will be drastically cheaper then a properly installed boiler by a min of ten fold or more .
Before falling victim to a bad boiler install ask them to flood the boiler if they do not offer this service then clearly they are the wrong contractor and you should show them the door and seek some one more honest and is willing to flood the boiler and really investigate the alleged corrosion and leaks to see if a boiler replacement is truely needed .
I some times look at jobs where they just want the boiler washed and clean and being the boiler was poorly installed there is really no way to properly perform this task and get it done satisfactory where the crud in the boiler is washed out ,you can skim forever and it’s not getting the garbage out from the bottom of the the boiler . These are things 99% of the installs are not set up to be washed or cleaned with out some work and money .
Personally if all ya need is a gas valve unless the job is piped like dog Pooh I would have just did the valve and moved on without the fear factor doom and gloom sales pressure ,it’s never my thing . If they want a cheap improperly installed steam boiler w poor near boiler practices and no way to wash or clean it out no need to look here those guys are at every street corner w cheap prices and sub standard work and ethics .
The sweeten of a cheapened price is often forgotten after the bitterness of poor quality . Words all should live by .
Peace and good luck clammy
Ps post of pics we all try to be not to critical

pedmec

The first thing the tech should have done is flood the boiler to see if a hole has developed above the water line of the boiler. Burnham independence steam boilers are notorious for leakers. This would kind of help making the decision because if a hole has developed it would kind of make your decision for you. i have replaced tons of independence boilers that have been operating a little over 10 years. it's not unheard of in my area to get only 10-11 years out of an independence steam boiler. Flood the boiler and then see what happens. good luck

mrcolumbia

@clammy Thanks for the detailed reply. I attached some pictures above.

Ironman

Another consideration: the Independence uses a step (slow) opening gas valve to prevent blowing the pilot out when the burners ignite. If the valve on yours was not fully opening before it failed, that could have caused flue gas condensation which could have caused the rust/corrosion that you see. An examination of the inside of the flue piping and the top of the boiler would confirm this.

realliveplumber

Could be condensation,

Where are you located in NJ?

There are good, reputable contractors listed on Find a contractor on this site.

mrcolumbia

@realliveplumber I'm in Metuchen.

realliveplumber

There are several companies, I would reach out to Nothern
NJ and check New York as well

https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/

Ironman

@EzzyT
@clammy
You won’t find any better than these two gentlemen.

EzzyT

I just looked at this boiler and it definitely has a hole in it above the water line.
Looking at a replacement.

mattmia2

I'll reiterate the point above. @EzzyT won't be cheap but you know it will work right when he's done.

ethicalpaul

Here comes a Peerless! You can see it weighing down the back of the van!

pecmsg

Quality comes with a price!