how hard is it to install boiler

[rickcact]

My sister needs a new oil fired boiler desperately, and cannot afford to buy the unit and pay to have a plumber install it. Is it really difficult to do? its basically just and in and out on the plumbing and the controls for the thermostats right?

Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[brihvac]

The piping could be different and you also should have the burner set up with a combustion analyzer.

 

[philjafo]

Professional installation usually gets you years of trouble free service, it also gets you someone to warranty the work. DIY is doable but dang them oil fired boilers are heavy, and they really should be setup with a combustion analyzer.

 

[koditten]

I would have no trouble endorsing a gas boiler DIY, but oil fired units need to have the combustion varified with an analyzer. With that said, you could always DIY and call a pro for a boiler tuneup.

 

[rickcact]

oil fired units need to have the combustion varified with an analyzer. With that said, you could always DIY and call a pro for a boiler tuneup.

I think that may be the way to go. She will barely be able to afford the boiler, nevermind the install.

 

[danski0224]

She will barely be able to afford the boiler, nevermind the install.

I frequently hear that right after walking through a fresh $20k kitchen remodel...

 

[Sureshot]

I frequently hear that right after walking through a fresh $20k kitchen remodel...

Or as they suffer from a new tat and smoke a cig and nurse a hangover. Maybe not the OP's sis but I have them in my family as well.
Post pic's of the sis and maybe you will get a volunteer, or not.

 

[Mike007]

I frequently hear that right after walking through a fresh $20k kitchen remodel...

I'm not saying it applies to the OP's sis, but I get the same nonsense. I had a woman cry poverty to me, I tried to help her out with a discount because I felt bad, then I passed by a few weeks later and see her getting into a new convertible Sebring with a temp tag. Another time, similar situation with an old guy, I ran into him at the local building department. He was turning in permits for a not needed bath remodel. So he can't afford to replace his 30+ year old gas furnace but can afford a new bath? I don't try and help people anymore.

To answer the OP's question, it really depends on your experience and what you are comfortable with.

 

[Jackfre]

If she is in an area with natural gas there are probably financing packages or promotional incentives to change to NG. Oil heat is great, but I would never put in a new oil boiler today. I just don't see how the economics of oil for residential space heating will be beneficial going forward. Also, I know that there are incentive packages from the National Propane Gas Assoc as well. I think that depends upon where you are.

 

[rickcact]

So basically to get a good answer out of you guys I need to supply you with her W2 and a picture. LOL J/k!!

Anyway... The friend that would have helped is a no go, so I believe she will have to actually pay to get it done.

No NG in our area. I doubt there are any incentives in Ct for an install, but I can see how it has the potential to be a cost effective alternative.

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

Boilers should be installed under the supervision of an experienced professional, no matter who installs it. We start up many DIY boilers. People get hurt all the time.

 

[danski0224]

Lots of things come with an Installation and Operation manual, boilers included. A preferred piping diagram is usually buried in there, but many people don't read that part.

Oil systems also require a good fuel delivery system.

If you can read and follow instructions... but not many seem to be able to do so.

It is possible and likely that poor piping lent a hand in taking out the old boiler. I encounter many bad piping jobs, but very few people want to spend the $$$ to fix it. They would rather continue to replace boilers, endure poor heating quality and pay extra to their utility companies. "I'm moving (soon)" or "I don't have the money" (and fresh remodel jobs and expensive electronic toys are commonnly visible) or "We use a blanket here". Makes sense to me.

One thing you probably don't have is a pressure gauge to set up and check the oil pump.

The other thing you probably don't have is a combustion analyzer to set up that boiler when you are done. Not to mention the ability to use it properly if you are willing to shell out >$1k for one.

Whether or not you will find a "professional" to check out your installation and start it up is another matter entirely. I would suggest finding one of those, first.

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

"If you can read and follow instructions... but not many seem to be able to do so."

hheheheehee,

Getting a little tired and cranky are we?

 

[danski0224]

Getting?

 

[HoosierBuddy]

I have nothing of value to add to this post except an appreciation for the comments made about Kitchen remodels and other such nonsense.

See it all the time. My church just did a million dollar addition but couldn't find the money to replace the 35 year old boiler. 18-months later we've got a mortgage out the ying-yang, have cut back on staff, and the boiler is starting to act up.

There is much "wringing of hands" and "how can we afford this?"

It gives me very little pleasure to tell them "I told you so."

Phil

 

[BadgerBoilerMN]

Only 35? A shopper called to today about his "knocking" boiler (not steam) and said that the home inspect swears the average cast iron boiler lasts 50 years! Seems the inspector looked it up on the "internet".

I just said; go on, go on...?

hehhehehehee

 

[brewchief]

I think that may be the way to go. She will barely be able to afford the boiler, nevermind the install.

The boiler itself is only part of the cost, on an average boiler job we replace the following, backflow preventor, fill valve, expansion tank, air vents/spirovent, zone valves, all ball valves, all boiler drains plus we add a low water cutoff and secondary limit as required by code. In some cases all the extra parts plus the fittings and pipe needed can cost as much as the boiler.

A DIY boiler is possible IF you do as much research prior to the job as possible, read and follow the directions that come with the boiler as well as following whatever code your area uses. Plan way more time then you think, we do boilers in one day with two guys but it's normally a long day and we have done a bunch of them, I prefer two days if possible.

 

[philjafo]

The boiler itself is only part of the cost, on an average boiler job we replace the following, backflow preventor, fill valve, expansion tank, air vents/spirovent, zone valves, all ball valves, all boiler drains plus we add a low water cutoff and secondary limit as required by code. In some cases all the extra parts plus the fittings and pipe needed can cost as much as the boiler.

A DIY boiler is possible IF you do as much research prior to the job as possible, read and follow the directions that come with the boiler as well as following whatever code your area uses. Plan way more time then you think, we do boilers in one day with two guys but it's normally a long day and we have done a bunch of them, I prefer two days if possible.

Good point, then there's also the question of why the old one failed? Was it sized correctly? There's a lot more that goes into replacing a boiler then just being able to solder.
Oh and there's also gas piping to work with, just recently saw a story on the news about a home that was left a smoldering crater and killed 3 people.

 

[danski0224]

Oh and there's also gas piping to work with, just recently saw a story on the news about a home that was left a smoldering crater and killed 3 people.

I have a part time job at a big box home store.

You would NOT believe the people that come in there, trying to mess with gas piping and things like flexible gas connections, that are wholly and totally unqualified to do so.

A fair number of people attempt to conect natural gas piping to the water connection on clothes dryers with the steam feature. They refuse to pay for the installation kit, so the delivery people don't re-use the old stuff, and then come in looking for the parts.

Then there are the people that use that flexible aluminum dryer vent for a furnace or water heater flue vent. The guy that used 3" PVC for a garage heater...

Oh, the guy determined to use brass compression connections (not double flare connections) to repair the brake lines on his car.

All in the name to save a buck.

I am really surprised that there aren't MORE reports of homes blowing up and people being killed through their own stupidity.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Only 35? A shopper called to today about his "knocking" boiler (not steam) and said that the home inspect swears the average cast iron boiler lasts 50 years! Seems the inspector looked it up on the "internet".

I just said; go on, go on...?

hehhehehehee

I think the issue here was, the boiler was still working OK, so to the layman, that means everything is fine. Meanwhile, I'm the jerk for pointing out that after 35 years....it's just a matter of time.

About 2 weeks ago I had to drop everything and run a gas service to a 90 something year-old couple whose 50-year old oil furnace failed. It had a funny smell through the vents so they dug through the moths in their pockets and found enough money to have it inspected. Heat exchanger was full of holes.

I talked to the guy and he asked, "why did those holes appear after all these years". I was like, "Those holes may have been there a long time".

My point is...the only reason they aren't still using that furnace is because they had it inspected.

He really figured that since he was old, it didn't make sense to get a new furnace. He was hoping to die before he had to get a new one.

I think the only issue with money is, he has a lot of it because he doesn't spend it...

Crazy people.

Anyway...we dropped everything and ran him a gas service. The HVAC guy dropped everything and put him in a furnace. He was happy and now he probably will never have to buy another furnace....so all's well that ends well...I guess.

Phil

 

[Garage Flooring]

Its a lot cheaper to hire a professional!

 

[pfarber]

I've install a NG boiler, a propane boiler, a water heater and just today a wood stove.

Its not hard, just read the directions.

That is a tall order these days. I've had people tell me that they are amazed that I can sweat copper pipes.... like MAPP gas and solder are exotic and rare elements.

Good luck getting a company to set your gas valve (aka come out and adjust the C02 levels). If they don't install it most (nay, all) won't touch it. Its cheaper to buy a flue gas analyzer of the net for $300-400, use it the 20 minutes to adjust your gas valve then sell it on ebay. Most have an hour meter to track filter usage... so you can always prove how long its been used.

But the secret is, most gas valves are adjust at the factory, and are good enough out of the box.

 

[danski0224]

Man, I'd like to see a link for those $300-$400 flue gas analyzers...

 

[Roots]

Before you look too far into this, you might want to inquire with her insurance company. A boiler can take out your entire home if it goes wrong, not being professionally installed may very well (and does in some cases) void her home owners insurance.