Can this Williamson boiler be saved or should it be replaced?

ems17270 · May 2

I believe it's from the early 2010s but not entirely sure.

I had a plumber contractor come out and tell me that it had to be replaced. I am considering upgrading to a tankless Navien Combi-Boiler because it would give me floor space, but obviously this is quite expensive, in the $10k range (NYC area).

There is corrosion noted, but the area does not feel damp nor is there any visible leak. I also get a slight whiff of gas sometimes for 1 second when opening the utility closet door. The heating seems to be working fine but does make screeching noises when it first turns on.

Thanks in advance.

Mad Dog_2 · May 2

If its not leaking all over the floor, Yes. The Question is...Will it cost more in labor and materials to do a total strip-down, cleaning et cetera. In most cases, No, its not worth it. Mad Dog

HVACNUT · May 2

Definitely looks neglected. Did the tech give an explanation to his diagnosis? That #60 extrol just hanging there is a little scary, but it doesn’t warrant replacement. Are you having issues? Was a combustion test done?

You might gain a little floor space with a combi by eliminating the indirect, but the boiler always needs serviceable access all around. It shouldn't be a storage closet.

ems17270 · May 2

The tech just said it looked very corroded and had to be replaced. He said they don't recommend repairing this sort of thing, and just replacing it. He didn't do any sort of testing.

I am not having any issues aside from the noisiness. I do get a small odor of gas sometimes which goes away within a few seconds.

pecmsg · May 2

find a service tech not a sales tech

Steamhead · May 2

@ems17270 , where are you located? We might know someone who can help…………….

kcopp · May 2

a navien would Not be an upgrade…🤣

EBEBRATT-Ed · May 2

I agree with @kcopp IMHO I would rather have a leaking Williamson than a new Navian.

Most people would not replace that boiler unless it is leaking.

If you can find a decent service tech (Difficult) you could run that boiler another 10 years or more as long as parts are available.

Most contractors wan't to seel new and not bother with fixing old.

If you want a mod con boiler there are better choices than Navian.

Ask you plumber if the boiler was in his house would he replace it or fix it up?

mattmia2 · May 2

what is leaking? is it from a pipe somewhere or is it condensation in the vent or leaking vent flashing? that corrosion isn't a boiler problem.

mattmia2 · May 2

oh, also, what is the combustion air source for that closet? if there isn't adequate combustion air that could cause vent problems that would cause that corrosion.

ems17270 · May 2

@kcopp why do you say that?? :-O

ems17270 · May 2

I'm not sure if the plumber said it needed to be replaced because he said it's technically not up to code as the boiler is right up against the lateral wall.

It's in a very small 700sq foot 100-year old apartment building so the closet size is very small.

Air source I believe is thru a louver in the closet door. @mattmia2

ems17270 · 12:29AM

@Steamhead northern NJ, Hudson County

EBEBRATT-Ed · 2:02AM

@ems17270

If you want the straight scoop PM @JohnNY or @EzzyT

Can this Williamson boiler be saved or should it be replaced?

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