Hot Water Heater Replacement

We have two hot water heaters, and one just went bad. They are 75 gallon AO Smith gas, feeding the same building main. The pilot is lit, but does not fire. These units are around twelve years old each. Should we continue with this type of setup, or is there a better idea? We have 15 people in the building. input ?

Hardcharger

in Plumbers and Plumbing 13 years and 6 months ago

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ellenlourie | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Thermocouple , when heated, supplies .7 volts it  generates from heating 2 different materials , to gas valve  trough the aquastat, which measures temperature of water in the heater, and if temperature less then set point, it makes up the switch and this .7 volts is supplied to gas valve to open it, and let gas go to burner. so, you have either faulty gas valve, or aquastat. or might be somebody turned aquastat down to vacation mode.

Hardcharger | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Thanks, the thermocouple is getting a mixed bag of opinions. some are saying that it is possible for a faulty thermocouple to allow the pilot to open but not the burner valve. Whether or not we replace the damn thing my curiosity has peaked, so maybe I will change it.

wholesalerbill1 | 13 years and 6 months ago

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If the pilot stays lit, then it’s not a bad thermocouple. If the water heaters(not boiler) are 12 yrs plus, it might be time to start thinking about replacing them as you don’t need a flood in the basement from an unexpected blow out. If you install a residential water heater in a multi family building then the warranty is only good for 1 yr. Any multi family dwelling is considered commercial and you would need a commercial unit for full 3 yr warranty. 12 yrs on a residential water heater in a commercial application is pretty good.

northofditmas | 13 years and 6 months ago

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You don’t need to replace the boiler until it rusts through and starts leaking.  Just get a new thermocouple and replace it yourself.  It’ll run you less than $20.

steam_man | 13 years and 6 months ago

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Indirect coupled with solar would be the best situation if you have the space and the money to do so. Lots of info is missing fromm your post in order to give you proper advice though. Boiler type, water usage, building location etc.