Aqua balance boiler system

photokynetics · February 23

I have a small leak where galvanized pipe and PVC joints together, this spring I will be taking the system apart to fix this leak, please let me know the best way to make this a reliable system changing the plumbing around, I've enclosed two photographs and I can include more on request but I'd appreciate anybody's advice to

fix this monstrosity.

kcopp · February 23

😐️ Wow.

What does this go to? I have a number of concerns. Honestly may be best to cut it out and start again.

LRCCBJ · February 23

I need to stick needles in my eyes………………..

psb75 · February 23

I would not put my hands on any of that without a complete repipe. That is some 'Dr.Frankenstein' plumbing.

photokynetics · February 24

This is to the radiator heating system in my house, there are aluminum radiators within the walls with blower motors that push air over these radiators to heat the inside of the house, the previous owner designed and installed this there's a lot of unnecessary ugly there I'd like to get rid of if I can, but I don't know a whole lot about it I'm sure I can figure it out.

mattmia2 · February 24

is it micro zoned in such a way that it needs the air compressor tank turned buffer tank?

mattmia2 · February 24

i'm not sure of any of that vent is the approved materials for venting

hot_rod · February 24

is that a paper oil filter in the dhw return pipe?

I don’t see a quick way to fix that leak.

psb75 · February 24

"is that a paper oil filter in the dhw return pipe?" Well, that is something I have not seen before. Nor have I ever encountered an expansion tank connected to the outlet of a TPR safety valve! This is some really creative plumbing. I believe the user would be better served if it were made more 'boring' and conventional.

Ironman · February 24

What a hack job!

photokynetics · February 24

YouYou are correct that's an air compressor tank sitting there acting as a 20 gallon reserve, that is a oil filter in the line to filter contaminants the guy told me, and there's even a whole house water filter tucked in behind some of that plumbing. I don't know if this guy had a garage full of a bunch of parts and just got creative? But it was enough to satisfy the building inspector when I bought the house but to me it's just a bunch of complicated junk and since there's a leak I'm going to have to do something.

photokynetics · February 24

You asked if it was microzone enough to justify having that air compressor tank as a buffer tank, I don't understand what you mean by microzone?

photokynetics · March 16

Um ok, I've heard a few opinions on how crappy of a job that the plumbing is, can anyone offer useful suggestions for correction?

Thank you!

EBEBRATT-Ed · March 16

@photokynetics

I think you would be well served to get someone competent in there to repipe the system. You could check "find a contractor on this site" and/or post your location. Maybe someone here can point you in the right direction.

kcopp · March 16

Here is a start.

Weil-Mclain-383-100-040-Install Instructions.pdf

offdutytech · March 16

That would be a total re pipe. I would also pull the front cover off and look at the back of the heat exchanger to see if it's starting to develop a leak like in this pic. Give the current piping situation and if your heat exchanger is showing signs of leak I would just start over with a new boiler that matches your needs. I've serviced a few aqua balance boilers that have developed this issue and the original installs were not ideal like yours.

photokynetics · March 27

I appreciate all the help! Is it necessary to have a buffer tank in these systems?

kcopp · March 27

No it is not.

Aqua balance boiler system

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