Installation of a Tankless Boiler, Water Heater

AC Service Tech LLC
27 Jan 201908:46

TLDRIn this informative video, Craig lajiye from Easy Service Tech demonstrates the process of installing a tankless water heater during winter. He explains the preparation needed, including mounting the new heater, flushing lines, and connecting it to the existing baseboard. Craig also details the installation of a new gas line, pressure testing, and the setup of a zone control relay. The video provides a step-by-step guide on completing the hydraulic circuits, preparing exhaust and intake, and ensuring the system is protected with a circulating pump. The final result is an efficient heating and hot water system, with emphasis on proper maintenance and safety measures.

Takeaways

  • 🛠️ Preparation is key when installing a tankless water heater during winter; ensure all materials and tools are ready to avoid leaving the building without heat overnight.
  • 🔧 A tankless water heater was mounted behind the existing boiler and water heater, requiring the existing baseboard to be connected with flushed lines.
  • 📏 Oxygen barrier PEX lines were used for the installation, having been previously pressure tested to ensure safety and functionality.
  • 🔩 New gas lines were installed and sleeved in PVC through the foundation wall, designed to feed the tankless water heater with a 1 inch diameter for adequate gas supply.
  • 💧 The system features a combi unit capable of handling both domestic hot water and hydronic heating, with an input of 150,000 BTU.
  • 🔄 Zone control relays and zone valves were prepped and wired to manage different heating zones within the building efficiently.
  • 🌬️ Ventilation changes included replacing old chimney pipes with PVC for exhaust and intake, improving the system's safety and efficiency.
  • 🛠️ Detailed attention was given to connections and sealing, using Teflon tape and thread sealant to prevent leaks and ensure durability.
  • 🔬 All new installations, including a stainless steel circulating pump and pressure tests on water lines, were methodically checked to ensure reliable operation.
  • 📊 The final setup included extensive safety and maintenance features, such as backflow preventers and pressure reducing valves, ensuring long-term reliability and ease of service.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is the installation of a tankless water heater during the winter.

  • What type of water heater is being replaced in the video?

    -A 40-gallon natural draft tank water heater is being replaced.

  • What is the efficiency percentage of the existing boiler mentioned in the video?

    -The existing boiler is about 65 percent efficient.

  • What is the purpose of flushing the lines before connecting the new tankless water heater?

    -Flushing the lines is necessary to remove any debris or contaminants before connecting the new tankless water heater to ensure proper functioning and longevity.

  • What is the BTU input of the new tankless water heater installed?

    -The new tankless water heater has a 150,000 BTU input.

  • What type of piping is used for the gas line to the tankless water heater?

    -A one-inch gas line is used, sleeved in PVC.

  • Why is the existing chimney pipe being replaced with PVC piping?

    -PVC piping is preferred over galvanized piping because it is more resistant to corrosion and provides better ventilation for the tankless water heater.

  • What is the purpose of the zone control relay mentioned in the video?

    -The zone control relay is used to manage the different zones in the heating system, allowing for efficient control of the domestic hot water and hydronic heating system.

  • How is the circulating pump in the system designed to protect the tankless water heater?

    -The circulating pump, made of stainless steel, helps to circulate water through the system, preventing stagnation and ensuring efficient operation, which in turn protects the tankless water heater.

  • What maintenance is recommended for the new tankless water heater system?

    -Annual flushing of the domestic hot water and boiler systems is recommended as part of preventive maintenance to keep the system running efficiently.

  • How is the electrical connection for the tankless water heater and zone control managed?

    -The tankless water heater and zone control have a dedicated circuit with no other receptacles on the same line, ensuring a stable electrical supply and reducing the risk of interference.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Preparing for Tankless Water Heater Installation

The video begins with Craig lajiye from Easy Service Tech explaining the process of preparing for a tankless water heater installation during winter. He describes mounting the new heater behind the existing boiler and water heater. Craig details the need to flush lines before connecting the baseboard to the new heater and mentions installing new oxygen barrier PEX lines and a gas line. He emphasizes the importance of pressure testing and preparing for the installation by wiring the zone control relay and cutting PVC holes for exhaust and intake. The focus is on ensuring the homeowner does not lose heat during the transition.

05:03

🏠 Finalizing the Tankless Water Heater Setup

In the second paragraph, Craig continues by discussing the final steps of the installation, including the placement of the circulating pump and the importance of having valves for servicing. He mentions the installation of manufacturer's primary manifolds for both the domestic hot water and the boiler, emphasizing annual flushing and preventive maintenance. The video also covers the setup of dedicated circuits for the tankless water heater and zone control, as well as the installation of backflow preventers and pressure reducing valves. Craig explains the need for a new gas line and the use of PVC exhaust venting. The summary ends with a brief overview of the day's work, including the removal of the old water heater and boiler, and the decision to reuse the existing chimney hole for venting.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, is a device that heats water as it flows through a heat exchanger. Unlike traditional tank water heaters that store and heat water in a tank, tankless models provide a continuous supply of hot water, only using energy when hot water is needed. In the video, Craig is installing a tankless water heater to replace an old, less efficient model, highlighting its benefits such as energy efficiency and providing both domestic hot water and hydronic heating for the house.

💡Natural Draft

Natural draft refers to the flow of air or gas through a system without the use of a mechanical device such as a fan or blower. In the context of the video, Craig mentions a natural draft boiler, which relies on the natural convection of air to draw in combustion air and expel exhaust gases. This is in contrast to a forced draft system that uses a fan to move air. The natural draft system is being replaced with a more efficient tankless water heater.

💡Oxygen Barrier PEX Lines

Oxygen barrier PEX lines are a type of flexible plastic piping that is designed to prevent oxygen from seeping into the water system. The oxygen barrier is important because oxygen can cause corrosion in the plumbing system, especially in copper pipes. In the video, Craig has already pressure tested these lines, which are connected to the new tankless water heater to ensure a safe and efficient water supply.

💡Gas Line

A gas line is a pipe that carries fuel gas, such as natural gas or propane, from the source to the point of use, typically a water heater, furnace, or stove. In the video, Craig has installed a new one-inch gas line to supply the tankless water heater, which is essential for its operation as it requires gas for heating the water.

💡Zone Control Relay

A zone control relay is a device used in hydronic heating systems to control the operation of multiple zones or areas that require heating or cooling. It allows for individual temperature control of each zone, improving energy efficiency and comfort. In the video, Craig has a zoom control relay installed, which is used to manage the two zone valves for the heating system.

💡Backflow Preventer

A backflow preventer is a device designed to prevent polluted or contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. It is essential in any system where there is a risk of cross-contamination between the potable water supply and another source. In the context of the video, Craig has a backflow preventer installed on the cold water intake line to ensure that no contaminated water from the new tankless water heater can flow back into the main water supply.

💡Pressure Reducing Valve

A pressure reducing valve is a device that reduces the pressure of water or other fluids in a system to a desired level. It is important in plumbing systems to ensure that the pressure is maintained at a safe and optimal level to prevent damage to appliances and fixtures. In the video, Craig has installed a pressure reducing valve as part of the preparation for the new tankless water heater, ensuring that the water pressure in the system is controlled and does not exceed the recommended levels.

💡Hydraulic Circuits

Hydraulic circuits refer to the network of pipes, valves, and other components through which a fluid, such as water or oil, is circulated in a system. In the context of heating and cooling systems, hydraulic circuits are used to distribute the heated or cooled fluid to different parts of the building. In the video, Craig mentions completing the hydraulic circuits, which involves connecting the pipes and components to ensure the proper flow of water for the tankless water heater and heating system.

💡Combi Unit

A combi unit, short for combination unit, is a type of water heater that provides both domestic hot water and space heating in a single appliance. It is designed to heat water on demand for these two purposes simultaneously, making it a space-saving and efficient choice for homes with limited space. In the video, Craig is installing a combi unit tankless water heater that will handle both the domestic hot water needs and the hydronic heating system for the house.

💡PVC Piping

PVC piping is a type of plastic pipe made from polyvinyl chloride, which is durable, resistant to corrosion, and easier to work with compared to metal pipes. It is commonly used in plumbing systems for water distribution and waste disposal. In the video, Craig chooses to use PVC piping instead of galvanized piping for the exhaust and intake of the tankless water heater, which is a safer and more modern approach to plumbing.

💡Expansion Tank

An expansion tank is a component in a closed-loop hydronic heating system that helps to accommodate the increase in water volume due to temperature changes. As water heats up, it expands, and an expansion tank provides the space needed to prevent excessive pressure from building up in the system. In the video, Craig mentions installing an expansion tank as part of the new tankless water heater setup, which is crucial for maintaining the system's pressure and preventing damage.

Highlights

Preparation for installing a tankless water heater in winter is discussed.

The existing boiler and water heater are replaced with a tankless model.

Flushing lines is necessary before connecting new baseboard to the tankless heater.

Two oxygen barrier PEX lines are pressure tested and installed for the system.

A new 1-inch gas line is run through the foundation wall for the tankless heater.

The tankless water heater is a combi unit for domestic hot water and hydronic heating.

A zoom control relay is used with two zone valves for system control.

PVC piping replaces the old galvanized piping for exhaust and intake.

Pressure testing water lines ensures the new baseboard can hold pressure.

Boiler drains are installed after completing hydraulic circuits to prevent overheating.

The gas line is dry fit in place, awaiting connection without thread sealant.

System components are prepared outside before being soldered in for efficiency.

A stainless steel circulating pump is installed to protect the tankless water heater.

Three zones are ready for piping once the water heater is operational.

The tankless water heater is plugged into a dedicated circuit for safety.

An expansion tank is mounted against the wall for space efficiency.

A 3/4 inch gas line is used, with a separate line for the tankless heater.

PVC exhaust can be vented through the side wall or roof for flexibility.

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