Boiler expert?
Ive got a Weil-McLain gas boiler and hot water radiators. The boiler started not burning properly—flames were coming out the front a bit and burning the case.
I’ve had a couple plumbers take a look, but they haven’t been able to diagnose the problem. One thought the issue was cleaning, but the combustion chamber (if that’s the right word) is clear. It looks like there may be a small water leak from one of the sections of the block?
Does anyone have a recommendation for someone who is a real expert on older boilers and could tell me if this can be repaired rather than replaced? Maybe Gateway who I see posting?
(Right now I’m using heat pumps for heat but would like to have the boiler for backups and cold snaps.)
xchx
in Plumbing 16 hrs ago
3
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MasterPlvmber | 4 hrs ago
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I’m concerned that you’ve had “a couple plumbers take a look” and it’s not fixed. Flames coming out the front means you’ve got to get the boiler out of your house. It’s time for a new one.
I know that’s not what you want to hear and it makes me sound like a terrible person but I’ve already seen this movie a hundred times.
Surely one of those plumbers gave you a price to replace the unit. Go with that and stop inhaling the carbon monoxide that accompanies those errant flames.
Brownstone Home Inspection | 10 hrs ago
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gate way or master plumber on here.
if you have a leak in sections you have problems.
With my boiler, if my sections are dirty, when i open the flame inspection port, the flame bounces out a little at me. smoke will blow back a little.
how old is this thing? has it ever been run low on water?
If you do not know how old, look for CP number on the inside of the housing, like below or behind the controls. it might be on a piece of white paper. Google Weil Mclain CP number lookup and you can get the age. if it is over 20 it is ready to go on Medicare. some last longer. some not.
rachelchancey | 12 hrs ago
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Gateway is great.