Phase lll coil failure

Dennis Tannenbaum

My local plumber tells me that these tank failures are common knowledge.

Anyone else with this experience, please respond.

Thank you

Dennis Tannenbaum

Phase lll coil failure

I had a coil failure on a 60 gallon Phase lll indirect hot water tank installed in 1997.

The hot water boiler pressure began rising slowly over a two week period until it had risen to 30+ pounds, at which point it would blow off until the pressure dropped.

I have learned that this model Phase lll product has been prone to this type of failure. The coil develops a pin hole leak and the domestic water supply bleeds into the boiler. Pressure rises and the boiler blows off.

My oil supplier contacted Triangle Tube regarding warranty replacement. Triangle supplied a new water tank to replace the defective tank, but says it is their policy not to pay for installation. $485.00 for installation.

Has anyone delt with this problem? It would seem to me that TriangleTube had specific engineering difficulties with the earlier product.

Are these tank falure are common knowledge?

Thanks for any infrmation you can add to this.

Dennis Tannenbaum

Al_12

Oh Yeah.

I am on my 2nd tank in 4yrs, and replaced a customers tank THREE times in 3 yrs all around the 96'to 2000' era. I have seen MANY bad warranty tanks on the side of the local supply houses.
Good luck.

heatboy

Motive?

What does knowing if there are any other failures mean to you? Sure, I have replaced a couple of Phase III due to leaks, but I have also changed a few other indirect brands because of leaks. It’s funny how most of the tanks I have replaced are the same ones that are the most inexpensive to buy in the first place, e.g., Phase III, Storex, Super Stor, etc.. The only way to make a product less expensive is to cheapen the materials used to make it. Law of averages comes into play here. If Phase III was to improve the quality of their offerings and make the tank more expensive by a several hundred dollars, would you have purchased it? An overwhelming majority of their tanks run for life without leaks. Have you had you water checked? More than a couple tanks fail due to water conditions.

You sound incensed about the contractor charging you money to replace it. What was his original warranty to you for the original install? He didn’t make the tank and can’t be expected to replace it for free due to a defect from the manufacturer. Call Phase III and complain to them directly. Manufacturers listen to homeowners complaints with a lot more attention than they ever do from contractors. Good luck and hopefully you can get a least a partial rebate on the labor.

Warm Regards,

heatboy

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Dennis Tannenbaum_2

Coil Failure Phase lll Heater ...Motive

I had no idea that the phase lll water heater recommended by my plumber was on the lower end of the indirect products on the market. As a matter of fact I remember him telling me that they supplied commercial tanks to many apartment builds. They in fact had a good reputation. I would still take his recommendation, price did not enter into the discussion. I expected the best bang for my buck! The fact that other indirect heaters have similar problems is something I now know more about now.

I used Romanelli & Sons Oil Supply Company and they did an excellent job. They were curtious and methodical in identifying the problem and replacing the unit. I do not begrudge paying them. I would highly recommend the as a supplier.

I do begrudge paying for two installations. If there was a design problem with this indirect heater, than maybe the manufacturer has a greater responsibility than just replacing the tank. New York is a consequential damages State and a good case could be made for reimbursement from the manufacturer.

An individual could file his case in small claims court and have it heard by a judge, but the aggravation would hardly justify any return.

However, if this product was sold by the manufacture with known or unknown defects and there are significant cases of these product failures, there are effective means to address this manufacturer.

For one, just making others aware of the problem can be beneficial.

Another might be to contact the State attorney Generals, office.

[Deleted User]

Just a minute!

I have installed and speced (for someone else w/ a lower price) many Phase III (Weil) Indirects. Many of them have 10 years or more of service. That is service in multi-family buildings. Some w/ more than 100 apartments.

Have NEVER lost a unit because of the inner (stainless) tank failure. Replaced one because we missed a fitting leak on the outer shell of one for too long.

Aside from an occasional "O" Ring leak or stat failure, they have done the job very well. My customers are satisfied with both their reliability and efficiency.

Why don't we leave the hearsay and ambulance chasers out of the equation? Most manufacturers have an 800 number with a human on the other end. Why not listen to what they have to say first?