Does anyone have any knowledge of gas boilers? Mine has gone out. It is a very old system (1979) and the HVAC guy might not be able to find the replacement thermocouple. If he can't find one, I am looking at a whole new system. I currently have a gas boiler driving my in-floor heat and a seperate hot water heater. I guess they make combo units now that drive both? Does anyone have any experience with these combo units? Seperate of the boiler, how long should a hot water heater generally last? Mine works fine now, but I'd say it is at least 10+ years old. If it needs to be replaced soon, I might as well go ahead with the combo replacement right? The rough quote to install is $7 - 8K. Is that about right? It seems a little steep to me, but I don't know anything about these systems.

Burrrrr....it's cold! Any help would be most appreciated.

I don't know the kind of system you have Nick, but a gas water heater is good for about 8 - 10 years before they burn out inside. Electric water heaters last somewhat longer on average. If your water heater is 1979 vintage, it's due to start leaking any time now.

Thanks Salmo. The gas boiler is from 1979. The separate gas H20 heater is about 10+ years old, but I'm not sure exactly how old it really is.

I've done some more research and it looks like I'll probably need a new system....just because of how old everything is. Even if they can find the boiler part, there is nothing to say it won't crap out again in the coming years. This is great timing when its 22 degrees outside and Christmas presents need to be bought. GAH!

FYI - you all get coal this year. Sorry.

I've installed a couple furnaces and could help ya if replacement is the route you choose. I've never done any type of combo unit but we should look at it and see what it would take to replace it ourselves before you contract it out.Typically it involves light electrical, maybe a few custom fab'd vent pieces, and maybe some piping, all doable.

Deal. I've been sleeping on the couch in front of my gas fire the past couple of nights. My dogs, the cocker and lab, both insist on sleeping on top of me to stay warm. They are arseholes like that. So, I'll gladly trade the eventual Global Warming, if I could get some solid sleep tonight. I'll even give you an extra large chunk of coal Hanky. Burn that sucker to your heart's delight. PLZ - THX.

Nick, I have a hydronic heating system as well. I have a boiler (natural gas) and a passive water tank (it looks like a fairly standard water tank/heater) but is heated by one circuit that comes off the boiler, not by electricity or an internal boiler on the tank itself. I just did some work on the floor heating system when it didn't didn't heat the house a while back so I've dealt with this general topic recently. My problem was a bad Grundfos pump (which I had to replace) rather than a boiler problem. If any of that info seems to indicate that I could provide help, just let me know.

Frank's way of inviting himself to curl up next to the fire with you.....

I have a gas pipe threader if needed.

It's going to be colder tonight, you might need a three Dog night. :>)

It did sound like another ruse by Frank. :>)

Hey, Sol Duc...you should go over there and fix it all up for him.

I'm sure he'll pay you come next Tuesday for some work today

Fish on...

Todd

P.S. Nick, you know I have been known to do some schit like this, too. We can knock it out if it's an easy repair, or replace.

That would mean going to the big city, no desire since my folks are in Palm Springs now until April. Thanks for offering my services though.

Thanks guys. The HVAC guys are having no luck finding the new thermocouple, which is a shame because we've found out that the main boiler body is rated to 50 years and was installed in 1987 based on the serial number (not 79 as first thought). That sucker should have another 20 years on it left (or "they" say). What kind of manufacturer makes a 50 year product and then stops supporting it after 30 years? Gah!

Anyway, we've scoped the job and it definately looks like a full replacement is going to happen, unless said part is found ASAP. A bit of scope creep has entered into the picture to get the job done right and for future growth. We are going to move the unit placement a few feet for future remodeling. New gas lines and elec. wiring, chimney replacement (2 stories through dry wall), new radiant line tie-ins and system flush, new thermostats and wiring (more dry wall BS again) and possibly replace the main elec. panel.

I get some great tax breaks that are planned to expire Jan 1st 2017 and my monthly bill should be a lot lower. Eventually it will reach a B.E.P. and show an ROI. All this work was to occur anyway in a few years when I remodel the house per plan. Oh well - stuffs happens. The joys of homeownership.

Thanks for almost everyone's thoughts and offers.

Bummer.

Scope creep indeed!

Don't forget the undercarriage protection.

whats the brand of the couple?

make, model, ect...

It is hard for me to grasp that a boiler would have to be replaced because of a failed thermocouple.

Especially when they make universal ones...

My guess is that Nick has no idea what the thermocouple is and his "help would rather sell/install a new system than take responsibility for a new Thermo coupler.fun to watch.

Uhhh - your guess would be wrong then. Once I heard of "system replacement", I did the obvious thing and called for another opinion (and parts source). The old TC was welded on the inside of the tank (not screw in and not universal). The unit was partially disassembled to allow access. The old weld pad was removed and a new TC was welded in and the wiring to the controls replaced. The ground was suspicious and also replaced and relocated. Once he got it to fire and hold for a few moments, the unit would shut back down on its own. The original valve was not operating correctly and a new one solved the problem.

A few hundred in parts and labor and my house is nice and warm again. After watching the tech do the job and struggle a bit, it's not a job I recommend the average weekend warrior performing themselves. If the valve aspect was missed, it could have caused some serious problems. I'm sure some folks here have the experience to do this job themselves, but I'm glad I went with the experts here. I still probably only have a few years left on the system, but that should allow me the time to properly plan for its replacement.

Thanks again for everyone's thoughts and opinions. I learned a bit on this one.