Which indirect water heater to buy or not?

Miata

I currently have a 20 year old Weil Mclain indirect water heater that had a problem with a broken dip tube that has since been replaced. I posted before on this site requesting suggestions about dealing with the broken pieces of the old tube clogging various filters in the plumbing. One suggestion is to install a wye strainer on the hot water line out of the tank. Since the tank is 20 years old I was thinking maybe instead of fixing it I should replace it before it leaks. There is no drain on the bottom because it is the tank within a tank model. If it leaks the water must be pumped out. However because it has an inner tank, a leak from it would mix with the boiler water resulting in higher boiler pressure so maybe I wouldn't have 40 gallons leaking on the floor, just a pressure relief valve discharging unless it is the outer tank that leaks and then that is a whole new problem. I believe my current tank was made by Triangle Tube which currently makes one similar to mine and another model with a coil inside. Presently WC only "makes" the one with the coil inside. The current Triangle models have gotten some poor reviews online. If I were to replace my current one I would appreciate suggestions as to a tank within tank vs. one with a coil in the tank and what brand has the least problems since the warrenty may be good on parts but repeated labor cost would be a concern. Thanks for any suggestions.

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EBEBRATT-Ed

I would think the dip tube wouldn't break down small enough to plug anything.

Some like stainless steel some like glass lined. Maybe you can get a report from your town on the water quality. Chlorides affect the tank selection material

SuperTech

The best tank is the one most suitable for your particular water quality. If the current tank hasn't leaked after 20 years I would assume that it's a good match.

I wouldn't go by online reviews, they usually don't tell the full story. A tank could be a bad match for the water quality, it could be poorly installed, never maintained (flushed and anode rod replacement), poorly sized, etc. The majority of people who don't have any problems aren't going online and leaving reviews about their experiences to balance things out.

Miata

The remaining sections of the dip tube break down into tiny slivers smaller than grains of rice and clog the screen filter in the washer inlet as well as the kitchen faucet.

Mad Dog_2

I love the Turbomax

ethicalpaul

Replace it with a standalone water heater and let your boiler rest (and not heat your building) during the summer.

Miata

We have no natural gas available and I like the fact of having unlimited hot water. Our electric supplier, PECO, seems to be rather expensive plus recovery rate of electric is slower.

ethicalpaul

If you need unlimited hot water that is the right choice. You probably don't, but that's your decision! It's good that you are considering your needs rather than just going with inertia.

Mad Dog_2

So, your boiler is Oil fired. Three options....least expensive to more..

1. Turbomax with mixing valve or your preferred Indirect, sized for extra long HW runs. Plenty of HW. Most efficient use of what you have in place. It's not good for the boiler sitting off for long periods.
2. Bock 50 Gallon Oil fired Water heater..lots of HW...More expense.
3. Propane fired Tankless Water Heater...only limited to how large your propane storage is...Otherwise, oodles of HW....More expense.

Mad Dog

Lyle {pheloa} Carter

Have you checked with the manufacturer concerning the warranty? I recently had the same problem with a commercial indirect. Weil-McLain replaced the unit with a prorated charge. I do not know the policy on residential units, but it would not hurt to ask. You will need the CP number on the tank. The warranty dept. will talk you through the procedure.