Need Plumbing Help: Floor Heating & Domestic Supply on Same Water Heater?
I’ve read through old posts and I think this question has been addressed before, but I’m not sure if there’s a definitive answer to this particular question, so I’m asking again! Is there any possible set-up that would make it legal in NYC to have a hydronic floor heating system and a bathroom sink for…
I’ve read through old posts and I think this question has been addressed before, but I’m not sure if there’s a definitive answer to this particular question, so I’m asking again!
Is there any possible set-up that would make it legal in NYC to have a hydronic floor heating system and a bathroom sink for an office/medical space getting water from the same standard residential ProMax gas water heater?
All of the other units (residential) in my building are using boilers, but for my small office space on the ground floor they have a regular water heater hooked up instead. They’re telling me that to get the floor heating to work properly I need to keep the water temp around 140-150, but then it comes out scalding at the bathroom sink.
Beyond the potential safety/efficiency issues with this set-up, is it compliant with NYC codes?
Thanks for all input!
Yup, I’ll remember to call on Gateway the next time I need plumbing-related help for my condo. I also used Brooklyn Plumber’s company awhile back and was very satisfied with their service.
Unfortunately (or maybe it’s fortunate!) in this particular situation I’m just the tenant, and there’s already a plumbing co. attached to the building (apparently not a very good one), so I just have to take my complaint to the owners and hope they follow through…
Thanks for all the tips!
After experience with numerous different plumbers, I can wholeheartedly say (along with TONS of other people on this board!) that you can’t go wrong with Gateway Heating and Plumbing– aka Master Plvmber’s company. A bit more expensive than the rest, but you are guaranteed to save money in the long run. I curse myself for not just taking the good advice years ago. Worth the investment. They are at: 718.980-0909 http://www.gatewayplumbingnj.com/
Thanks so much to all of you for the advice/insight!
Sounds like I’m on solid ground in demanding that the current set-up be altered so it meets with code requirements. I will suggest to the owners that a boiler should be used for the floor-heat system, and then I’ll probably get some angry phone calls from the developer to tell me I’m wrong (it’s a brand-new building, so he’s still on the hook to deal with this mess), and then I’ll undoubtedly be back here with more questions for you all…
If I can convince them to use a reputable plumbing company in the future(whoever did the original work has left us with several leaking boilers and at least one broken pump), then I’ll certainly be in touch with both MP and BP for that!
Thanks again.
Not a plumber here, and I’m not 100% sure I understand your question and constraints… BUT, in case it helps at all: we have radiant heating in concrete floors; we have a boiler that generates the heat and then one hot water heater that basically functions as a hot water tank/holder, if I am understanding the set-up correctly…
@Berlinesque: There’s no allowance in the NYC Plumbing/Mechanical Code for using a water heater to make heat. Period.
I can offer more words about some special tanks having double-wall heat exchangers which are compliant under some circumstances…yada yada….but it doesn’t apply to your situation and certainly not the ProMax GCV.
@OP- Master Plvmber may even do the job for you too ;P
Thanks for that MP. I suppose it can and truth be told I did wince a little when I posted that late last night because I didn’t think about it long enough before hitting that send button. I was thinking more along the lines of radiant slab (damn solar has me in its grips!). And yes, I was also thinking about that “H” stamp. Sometimes I even second guess myself because you guys have that license that makes me forget LMPs are capable of mis-speaking as well…
Glad to have a second pair of eyes to “check” me. You are a gentleman.
I greatly appreciate all of your comments!
There are probably ways to make this set-up work, as suggested, but since I’m just renting out this small community space I’m definitely not planning to spend any money on improvements (though maybe I can convince the owners to do so if warranted).
First I’m mainly looking for confirmation that the set-up as it currently exists is NOT compliant with NYC codes, so I can take this claim to the owners with some confidence.
MP, it sounds like you are confirming this one part of it, correct? Does that still apply if it is not strictly a residential space?
If I succeed in convincing them that the set-up must be altered, then I can move on to suggesting options for how this might best be done…
I’m confused because there is a section in the AO Smith manual for my particular model (ProMax GCV40/200) called “Combination Space Heating/Potable Water System”, which implies that at least under some conditions (or locations), this would be permissible. It states that Massachusetts code does not allow this, but doesn’t say anything about NY… which is why I turn to the Brownstoner Forum for help!
Thanks much.
With all due respect, Gentlemen….
According to NYC DoB Plumbing Code, you MAY NOT use any appliance (boiler or water heater) to make hot water for space heating unless it carries the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ (ASME) “H” stamp.
I assure you your ProMax water heater does not have that stamp.
And under no circumstances does the Code allow for mixing heating water and water for domestic use.
So, even if you could make it work, like we do in New Jersey, know that NYC Code will not allow it.
@SteamMan: Careful there. Staple-up and suspended radiant heat designs can call for 140Ëš water.