hot water running out

JM_5

I have an oil burner with a tankless coil for domestic hot water. Not long ago I was noticing that the water wasn't getting that hot. Then I just started to run out in a short while. Had the coil cleaned twice and that didn't help. I have a globe valve between the supply to the coil and the supply to the house, thought maybe that was bad. I took it apart and changed the washer, the old one was cracked. Anyway that didn't help either. I'm going crazy! Any ideas? And it is at all the faucets also, thought maybe something to do with the shower body. Thanx

JM_5

hot water running out

I have an oil burner with a tankless coil for domestic hot water. Not long ago I was noticing that the water wasn't getting that hot. Then I just started to run out in a short while. Had the coil cleaned twice and that didn't help. I have a globe valve between the supply to the coil and the supply to the house, thought maybe that was bad. I took it apart and changed the washer, the old one was cracked. Anyway that didn't help either. I'm going crazy! Any ideas? And it is at all the faucets also, thought maybe something to do with the shower body. Thanx

P.S When I first moved in I was thinking about getting rid of the coil and going to another type of hot water heater eg: oil fired direct or indirect or even electric. Also thought of going with a tankless electric hot water heater

Weezbo

really likely its time for new coil.

or take it out have a radiator shop Boil it out...then it will be clean inside and out.

JM_5

how hard is it to change? what do they run? I have a 5 gpm coil in there now. I also noticed that the coil has a sticker of an outfit in Queens, NY I guess it has been changed already. What is the life expectancy of an coil anyway?

MT

hey JM

I used to work for a company and we had a customer with the same problem. So what we did was we flushed the coil with muratic acid, it cleaned all the dirt and grime that had built up over many years. After that we fired her up again and wa la hot water again with no problems and no call backs. give it a try

JM_5

ok that sounds like a good idea, also when they did it the first time alot of junk did come out

Weezbo

both these questions are dependant so,....

sometimes the coils are a real experience to replace,and sometimes the availability of the coil is also a edge into the night.... i do not know the prices of qualiy labour or materials in your area ...nor do i have any idea what it takes to get to where you are.... so. i will say this,if you have never replaced the coil....or a coil...eh...the tools to do the work would likely set you back more than the savings you would ultimately retrive by doing it your self. as to how long they last..well, that all depends on water quality and amount of useage...here is one very easy trick that you could try..plumbing systems are pressurized to 100 psi and often left throughout the rough in at 60 psi in case thereis a leak from a sheet rock screw, electrical staple you get the picture... so...if you turn up the pressure on the water loop feeding your home,and open the bath tub hot water full blast some times the aggressive water pressure will dislodge small particles within the coil. if so dont forget to turn the pressure back down and toclean all the faucet strainers as the stuff lodges in them ..and the angel stop valves under the sink.usually i will turn the toilets off first...and open an outside hose bib to clean any water in the lines Before it hits the coil.

steve_29

It may sound like a good idea but if your gonna go through the trouble of removing the coil and maybe taping out a broken stud or 2.
I'd replace the coil.
Why take the chance and find that the coil has developed a pin hole leak after the acid treatment.

bluenose_25

pita

Domestic coils are a pain in the@#$$.Did you have anything done to the boiler when your water started feeling cooler? I've seen aquastats turned down and nozzles too small?What happens with your boiler temp.?What is your water pressure?

oil-2-4-6-gas

.

replace the coil --it's not worth cleaning --that company in queens/long island city is alive and doing well --most supply houses around here buy from them actually they have an impressive shop --i have picked up many large heat exchanger,apartment house domestic coils,and have had them do some custom exchangers for us --

JM_5

turned up the aquastat

I've got the aquastat set at about 200, the boiler temp does drop when using the hot water and the burner kicks on, pressure seems good about 20 psi don't think the nozzles are too small had the oil comp out to look at the problem first and they suggested cleaning the coil.

JM_5

shower is alittle better

changed the shower head and at least I getting a longer shower out of it but still looking for a solution, don't know who to call the get estimates on changing coil or instll of another option ie; direct oil fired or indirect ect.

Mellow_2

indirect

Is a good way to get alot of hot water and burn less oil or gas. The boiler you have now has to stay 180 deg. to give you hot water and if the draft up the chimney cools it down then it has to come on again. The Indirect uses your boiler water to heat the dom. water and when everything is hot the boiler can turn off.....saving you money. You would want a very well built tank that could be cleaned if needed. look into buderus.com.

jeff_51

I agree with mellow

That about says it all, coils in boilers are really and inefficient and obsolete way of heating water. I know there are still alot of guys out there using them. Go with the indirect