Plumber needed for single-family boiler expansion tank replacement

An update for anyone who is paying attention (I hate it when threads don’t end in a solution): Gennady and his guys from Absolute Mechanical came out to my house the next day and quickly swapped out the tank without needing to do any of the other stuff my original HVAC guys had proposed. He then took the time to walk me through my current setup and explain how my doofus HVAC installers had made multiple errors in the way the boiler was piped, vented and being controlled. I was truly impressed at Gennady’s depth of knowledge, and can appreciate why using a plumber who is also a proper engineer for heating system design makes a tremendous amount of sense. I am awaiting a proposal to correct some of the major problems with my system setup. Absolute Mechanical’s hourly rate is not for the faint of heart, but I wish I had used them to properly engineer the system the first time so I could have avoided the situation I’m in now…

JPDA

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 2 months ago

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JPDA | 10 years and 2 months ago

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The expansion tank on my Weill-Mclain Ultra boiler needs replacement. The boiler provides hot water to a coil in the air handler, a radiant slab and indirect water heater. The original HVAC installers have quoted me $1,100 including: · Drain system · Remove defective expansion tank · Install new expansion tank · Install relief valve assembly · Re fill system and bleed out all air · Restore power and test operation This seems outrageous to me considering the tank itself is a $75 item. The relief valves don’t necessarily need replacement but will need to be tested after the tank is replaced. Any licensed plumbers out there willing to do it for less?

NeoGrec | 10 years and 2 months ago

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I just referred my plumber to another Forum poster. Try Dismas Cadette. Very decent guy: reliable, affordable, low key. Tell him Roz gave you his number.

ihhsitbcjyvev | 10 years and 2 months ago

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I think installer quoted too much for boiler expansion tank replacement. You need to get online advice from the Pros and searched local licensed plumber from online directories like Porch, Red Becan etc. Good luck…!!!

Master Plvmber | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture, does this seem right to you? What are you material costs when you quote a job for a client? And what do you charge?

JPDA | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Don’t get me wrong – I fully appreciate the need to pay professionals to do the job right. I’m not some indignant homeowner who expects to pay $19.99 to have everything fixed in 15 minutes. My question was about the number of hours. At $130 +/- per hour and about $150 for tank and valves it comes out to over 7 hours of labor. Does that seem right? Calling your office now to schedule an estimate 🙂

ellenlourie | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Leaving aside pricing, expansion tank must have isolation and drain valve installed for checking pressure and charging during maintenance. Draining of the whole system and replacement of safety valve is not necessary when expansion tank is replaced.

JPDA | 10 years and 2 months ago

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Great information! Much appreciated.