Steam Boiler Recommendation

WFNJ · October 19

I am in the process of replacing my steam boiler. The contractor initially suggested a Weil McClain. He also said I can save about $$$ by going with a Union Steam, ThermaFlo or Williamson boiler which is nearly identical except for the outer casing and all made by Weil McClain but privately branded. Any downside to this option? I’ve read various forums and see a few messages, bot nothing definitive. I am in New Jersey and it’s a pricey investment for installation with piping and I don’t want to make the wrong decision. Thank you

EdTheHeaterMan · October 19

Interesting Topic

Can't wait to hear more

WFNJ · October 19

I accidentally posted before I could type my message. It’s now there

EdTheHeaterMan · October 19

The cast iron is made at the same foundry, so there will be no difference in the performance. There may be higher standards with WM and those castings that don't make the mark may be acceptable for Williamson and the other names you mentioned, but I don't see that as an issue. They all have the same warranty.

What is more important is the installing contractor. You want to get real specific here in the contract. you need to get the wording "Installed per the manufacturers installation manual" in the contract. That is because the manufacturer has very specific piping diagrams that some contractors may ignore. the other important thing si that all the piping above the water line will be iron pipe size fittings and piping. No copper tubing above the water line.

If the contractor can't put that in the contract, that would be a deal breaker for me. Watch this video to understand why you don't want copper and why you want to have the boiler manufacturer's piping specifications followed exactly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L11ywcjSOFA

There are some really good steam heads in NEW JERSEY. But there are a lot more knuckleheads that will mess it up. try the Find a contractor link above to see who is near you.

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

delcrossv · October 19

Aren't @EzzyT and @clammy in Jersey?

Two top installers.

ethicalpaul · October 19

Williamson for sure is another label of WM, possibly the others too, I don't know them. If I was going to get a WM, I would get a Williamson definitely to save some $$ but I bought a Peerless and I love it

Steve_210 · October 19

I personally always go with push nipples rather than gaskets, but maybe that’s me

Mad Dog_2 · October 19

Burnham Steamax.....Mad Dog

jerryb46 · October 19

Peerless cast iron boilers both oil or gas !!! the best

WFNJ · October 19

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1815064#Comment_1815064

Thank you for the detailed reply . I will compare this info to the quote. Do you think the push nipples matter between the Peerless or Weil McClain or is this person preference? Some people seem to like the metal option.

My contractor does seem knowledgeable and has measured all the radiators for I assume proper sizing.

ethicalpaul · October 19

Never assume but it’s great they’re measuring

EdTheHeaterMan · October 19

Weil McLain castings using gaskets, or Peerless using Push nipples, is not really an issue. Both boiler manufacturers have steam boilers that have been in service more than 40 years in many buildings. The way that they get assembled can make a difference. On large commercial jobs where you assemble it on site, if that guy gets it wrong, then you can have a leaker in less than a year. But you will most likely be getting a factory assembled boiler block for a residential job, so no worries there.

@ethicalpaul used a peeress and he is a homeowner that installed it himself, and has several informative videos about it. And his profile photo has a real looker with his new boiler using rope, kinda' kinly . That would lead me to the Peeress. I’m not a WM fan. I worked on many, installed a few and sold lots of them to other Cons when I did a 2 year stint, downstate at a wholesale supply company in Jersey. I would take a good look at Crown Boilers out of Philadelphia. They have a KIT that your contractor can purchase with all the pipe nipples and fittings needed to correctly assemble the near boiler piping. I have been very happy with their products, and the customer support is top notch. Here is the Oil Fired model https://www.velocityboilerworks.com/documents/Kingston_KSB_Literature.pdf. And this is their Gas steamer offering. https://www.velocityboilerworks.com/documents/CVB-Bermuda-BSI-Lit-Sht-nc-PF-Mar-23.pdf . Bottom line is to go with what your contractor is familiar with. If they have steam experience, then they have a preferred brand, and have a rapport with that company and get faster service from them when there is a problem.

EBEBRATT-Ed · October 19

The Weil McLain has been around a long time and is a proven design. Williamson is the same boiler and is made by Weil Mclain (different color jacket).

Peerless is good

I don't know about Union Steam or Thermoflow but I think Thermoflow is part of Williamson.

I agree if you in NJ talk with @clammy or @EzzyT

WFNJ · October 19

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1815128#Comment_1815128

Thank you for the additional information. I've followed-up with the contractor to discuss. The proposal did state they are going to use iron fittings.

pecmsg · October 19

x-3 with @clammy or @EzzyT

EzzyT · October 19

Union Steam and Thermoflo are exactly the same as Weil McLain and Williamson

delcrossv · October 20

One of our buildings has a ThermoFlo. Almost 10 years with no issues.

STEAM DOCTOR · October 20

I have seen the WM boilers, with the gaskets, last 30 to 40 years plus. As much as I don't necessarily like the concept, the gaskets will typically outlast the boilers. Williamson and WM exactly the same thing. They just try to make them look a little different. For example, on the Williamson, you are not allowed to use the right side return tapping. And there is no coil option with the Williamson. But the boilers are exactly the same. I have actually gotten Williamson's, where part of the jacket still had the WM colors. I have installed more Williamson than I can remember with no trouble

EBEBRATT-Ed · October 20

Last Williamson I did had boiler oil fired with no tankless coil opening but also had the same boiler with the coil installed

CKNJ · October 21

X4 with @EzzyT and @clammy

See my post "New Boiler Installation Follow up" for actual photos of a Peerless installation. I went with the Peerless and couldn't be happier. Like others have said, it is not so much the boiler, its the installer that makes the difference.

WFNJ · November 19

I wanted to drop a note of thanks for the help from everyone on this forum for their advice. I was very lucky to have found two very qualified steam contractors. In the end, I decided upon the Peerless over the Union Steam given what I read about both boilers. I didn't see any benefit of spending the extra dollars for the Weil-McClain.

Here's a few pictures of the original 35 year old Burnham, the new Peerless before insulation and Peerless after the insulation was added.