When should a home owner start to plan a boiler replacement?

scott w.

Have a Weil Mclain gold condensing boiler that was installed October of 2004. House is a 4300 square feet Tudor built in 1928. The boiler that I removed was a non condensing boiler (WM) manufactured sometime in the late 1970's. Non condensing boiler had to go as the renovation included rooms with radiant heated floors, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, conservatory and billiard room. I suspect this 70's era boiler was a replacement for the original1928 boiler.

What is the lifespan of this era boiler? How far beyond the 20 year mark should I start planning for a replacement. Should I consider a WM boiler again or do I look at other manufacturers. I do not want to have a major breakdown and have to rush to replace a boiler in the middle of winter. As we all know, rushed decisions are not always the best in hindsight. Knock on wood I have had very very little trouble with this boiler. Every other year it is serviced by a technician as required by WM. Always purchasing the WM kit containing all the necessary replacement parts.

My neighbor owns a very large ornate 1890's era home with a steam system. He had a boiler go bad in the middle of winter. He could not find a replacement non condensing steam boiler and had to drain all the pipes in the house and move out until spring. It took that long to find a new boiler.

Looking forward to reading the comments.

Intplm.

With proper maintenance, a boiler can last decades. Putting some $$ aside for a rainy day is a good move.

Having a relationship with a service company/installer now can help with an inevitable replacement.

Best to have the replacement installation scheduled in the spring, with the heating season behind you. Avoid an emergency installation in the winter.

Corktown

If your neighbor had to “drain all his pipes“, then he likely had a hot water, not a Steam system.

I believe condensing boilers are primarily associated with hot water systems.

I’m “just” a homeowner, but my 1994 Weil-McClain EG-40 boiler is showing no signs of quitting. A bit of a different beast, of course. Sounds like you’re on top of maintenance, so let’s see what the pros say.

I’m thinking you’ll be able to finish a few beers or other beverages before you have to worry ….

EBEBRATT-Ed

Viessman is supposed to be the Cadilliac of condensing boilers. Lochinvar is popular and they seem to hold up. A Lot of people like HTP.

If it was me I would run it until it quits. Your neighbor was probably looking for a boiler during Covid and there were a lot of issues then.

Your service tech seems to be doing the job for you. I would ask his opinion on how your boiler looks and what brand they would recommend. The installer is a big piece of the puzzle. If you got a good one hang on to him.

A lot of condensing boiler the MFGs change designs and parts become unavailable around 15-20 years. You could download the boiler manual and shop for parts……don't buy any just to see what is available

hot_rod

Is it a Weil GV Gold? That was a cast iron boiler with a return protection valve, but not a condensing boiler

The block may last 20, 30 years but other parts, gas valve, control module , etc will become hard to find.

I don’t see a huge difference in many of the mod cons to predict one brand will outlast others

I think all manufacturers are targeting that 20 year lifespan , then parts are no linger produced .

mattmia2

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1877334#Comment_1877334

either a covid shortage or some other complication that made it not be a quick job. There is no reason you shouldn't be able to get a residential or small to medium sized commercial boiler in a few days to a week or so.

HVACNUT

It sounds like @scott w. has a WM Ultra gas. The maintenance kit was the giveaway.

From 2004, I think that was Series 2. They're up to Series 4 now and have improved substantially. But more important than the brand of boiler, find a good contractor.

mattmia2

is that the one with the aluminum hx?

scott w.

Oops, error when posting, I should have typed ULTRA not gold. Yes, it has a aluminum hx and it is a series 2. Don't know what I was thinking when I typed "gold".

Neighbor had to drain ALL pipes in the house and move out due to the difficulty of finding a non condensing steam boiler in the middle of winter. It wasn't till spring the boiler finally arrived for installation. This was after covid.

Thanks everyone for the information. Do not want to get caught short in the middle of winter when installer makes a visit and says a key part for the old boiler is no longer available. Figured all of the professionals here on the Wall would have some experience with the WM ultra boiler life span.

EdTheHeaterMan

When should a home owner start to plan a boiler replacement?

This usually happens just after you see all the water on the basement floor from the crack in the boiler.

Merry Christmas to all!

scott w.

Ed, LOL, that is the very situation that I want to avoid……0 degrees outside and a hurry up replacement which I may not get to select another manufacturer.

HVACNUT

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1879079#Comment_1879079

If you're happy with the Series 2, you'll be even more happy with the Series 4. The piping with the LLH is different, as they moved the tridicator from the panel to the header. And keep up on the Sentinel X100 inhibitor.

Dan_Btek

I'm plumber with 20 years of experience:

1-chose boiler with stainless still heat exchanger (no excuse,)

2-chose brand for which is be easy to have parts same or next day from local plumbing supply ( I have bad experience with Buderus, BOSCH and Vissman)

3-if you go to install condensing boiler always take little bigger BTU then you need.