combicore

marc

i think we have had our first failure, i am looking for some input on this, the job is 4 hrs. away, the h/o emailed some pictures, it looks like the leaks are coming up from the heat exchanger fittings, rusting, ect. hot rod you have had some issues with these, any thoughts. thanks, marc

hr

Sounds like

the HX is leaking. Generally the leak shows up at the top of the HX nipple where there is a small weep hole.

This is how they address the double wall protection.

The concept is a great one allowing one appliance to supply DHW and separate, isolated, quasi double wall protected radiant.

The tank fills a nice nitche. I only have one of maybe 20 that has made it to 10 years, sadly.

Two that I have cut open show that the coating on that aluminum HX comes off. I suspect water conditions pin hole the thin aluminum tube after that.

BW has stood behind every one, but I opt for two regular tanks to replace failed ones. 1 for DHW and a high recovery one for the radiant.

Seems a copper, or coated copper coil would be a better way to build them. Never have figured out how the coil is installed inside that glazed tank. I wonder that the installation method may some how skin that plastic coating, allowing it to start peeling off.

The hx coil also seems to corrode where it comes through that hex galv nipple also.

I feel the output claims are a bit optimistic, also. And they really need a good mix valve on the domestic side if you crank them up to get the max coil output. That can be a yearly maintenance item in hard water conditions.

hot rod

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Unknown

just in pure economics

we find it cheaper initially just to use a one use water heater with an external brazed plate heat exchanger.

then if anything goes wrong as well, you're replacing one or the other, not both for a failure in either.

Just a thought!