Need Water Heater Replaced? Consider Heat Pump Hybrid from AO Smith: Orlando Plumber Mikey Pipes

Plumbing & Air by Tom, LLC
Mikey Pipes
Winter Garden, Florida
02/06/2024
@aosmith
#heatpump #waterheater #orlandoplumber

[@jerihillken]

Glad to see the boss coaching the helper instead of taking over or ridiculing him.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

👍

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Excellent teaching

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Glad you think so!

[@bkoz319]

Thanks for showing the mistakes, everybody makes them, leadership right here showing how to prevail

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Win win 🏅

[@paulyanega2373]

hey Mike, its amazing how much sharper you are than these other guys.. nice pro install

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks for watching

[@INUMINIUM]

Tom seems like very nice guy! I hope they know it will pay off amazing job everyone involved! Excited to see the future

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks so much!

[@kaiserhead]

Heat pump water heater makes so much sense in Florida garages, never understood why you would burn electricity or gas to create heat....in Florida! I'm not convinced that heat pump water heaters make sense in the north as they steal heat from the inside of the house in the winter. Maybe monoblock air to water heat pumps make more sense in the north. Great job on the install.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Heat pump water heaters in Florida garages are perfect in the summers.

[@MegaBait1616]

nice work Mike.........

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks. The homeowner was especially impressed with the use of copper.

[@GoldenPlumbingNaples]

Nice install 🤙 I gave up draining water heaters the traditional way. Usually there’s too much sediment. Ain’t nobody got time for that. The M18 pump is 1/2” fip if you unscrew the factory hose fittings. I use a 1/2” mip x f1960 adapter to make a “dip tube” for the hot side, just have to bust out the heat trap. Drains a WH in 4 minutes flat

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Usually do but didn’t have any nipples on the truck

[@GoldenPlumbingNaples]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando No nipples needed my way, just a piece of 1/2” pex on the inlet side of the pump. It’ll slide inside the HW outlet

[@jamesrecknor6752]

Way to go! @@GoldenPlumbingNaples

[@1966spyderco]

My son lives in Winter Garden. Great channel man. Im down there all next week. great area

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Great. Winter Garden is a great area - especially Horizon West

[@TheRAMBO9191]

Goood shiii💪🏼💯 22 years old daammnn yea time to go. Mine is currently 13 years old, also everyone will learn deh wey of pipe doctor💪🏼 guna make the business boom even more professionally! 💯💵💵

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

That’s the plan Rambo

[@DrainMedic]

I knew you would use copper. ☀needs a propress . Nice job once again.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks 👍

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Haha, you called it! Copper is my jam. Thanks for the shoutout, my friend!

[@robertmartinez1228]

I'm diggin' it Mikey pipes.i'm diggin' it dawg.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Loving the love.

[@robertmartinez1228]

@@MikeyPipesOrlandoyour very good bro. you know your stuff.i like watching you for some knowledge on plumbing.

[@Ozzie4Para]

I had a Rheem hybrid water heater in my previous house. I bought it in 2018 and it worked great for the time I lived in the house. I sold the house three years later which was in 2021. The person who bought the house from me called me for any advice I could give them on who to repair the water heater because the heat pump stopped working. I didn't have a clue. They finally got someone out to look at it but they wouldn't touch it because it was in fact a hybrid water heater. The repair man told them those water heaters aren't worth his time to repair because there are too many things that could possibly go wrong and he didn't want to have any liability. That being that, I would never buy another hybrid water heater again. They save a lot of money on your electric bill but chances are it won't last long enough to pay for itself.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks for sharing

[@blazetownsend8785]

That is normally a problem of training. At first, when hybrid systems were first coming out, many plumbers said that, now it is more about if they got the training. I had a issue with mine shortly after install, turned out that someone hooked up the capacitor wrong at factory and it took them about 30 minutes to fix. Under warranty, if the something happens to the sealed heatpump system the whole tank from Rheem is replaced based on the manual. And in my case, that is within the 10 years warranty. Outside of that, the system is simple. Single phase heatpump (just on or off), fan, computer, heating elements, and capacitor for starting and running the system. No one needs to mess with the sealed system so the heatpump isn't even touched in repairs.

[@Chris_In_Texas]

5:09 Its the Florida heat in February! Little winded there sir! 👍🤠

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

You got that right!

[@walnutcontractors5661]

The rheem proterra hybrid has scheduling so you can have a time period where the tank gets up to 140. You only need to run at 140 periodically to take care of legionaries and can run lower the rest of the time.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks for sharing

[@kens.3729]

Rule # 1, Don’t set your Callaway Golf Bag and Clubs next to the Water Heater just in case it Malfunctions and/or starts Leaking. 🤪👎

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Smart tip

[@consolidatedplumbingandhea4390]

I remember getting to a job and finding that the water heater had been placed gas valve side down. I found out when I got it off the truck, unboxed it, and found the gas valve snapped off. Fun day....

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

that sucks BIG TIME

[@user-ln7of9gs4s]

1:50 if you wanted to be safe, why not put the wire nuts on the line side wires that could be energized, rather than the water heater wires which will be disappearing with the water heater?

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

okay

[@Chris_In_Texas]

6:48 That is why you use the water pressure to try and blow out the valve at the beginning! It can really help, vs the little bit of vacuum of the pump while its trying to prime! LOL

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

We did dummy!

[@CP-up8qz]

John Phillip installed that RUUD

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

😱

[@CP-up8qz]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando didn’t mean that in a bad way haha he loves his CPVC

[@MrInkotime]

Christian is a good kid.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

He’s a grown man but I catch your drift.

[@ethane8219]

Amazing nobody has taught him how to position pliers for righty tighty lefty loosie

[@MrInkotime]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando can he legally drink?

[@scottvolage1752]

Keeping it real Mikey Pipes. Smash the Florida Lifestyle.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Love Florida

[@samxoff]

Hey, Mike. I hope all is well. I have a question for you regarding hybrids. Is there any means for determining if the hybrid needs to be vented? I noticed this setup was not vented and was curious when I switch to a hybrid if it's necessary to vent, etc. Thanks for your time, and keep killing it!

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Not necessary to vent. They make an optional venting kit if the cold temperature output from the top is a concern

[@landontakeamericaback2106]

Hey mike theres a fitting on that hose bib not sure it changes pressure but it greatly reduces volume.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Does not change pressure.

[@joshuaseaton4526]

Oh, and as I'm watching. Just take a hammer and bang off the drain valve, you don't need to unscrew it :).

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Haha yeah right

[@joshuaseaton4526]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando It's what I do.

[@joshuaseaton4526]

Nice rattle box Gooman air handler I see. Oh Florida!!!!!

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Sure is!

[@Steve-bm2zm]

Hybrid water heaters are great for Florida. There are tax credits as well.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Correct ☑️

[@harveypaxton1232]

I would like to see an apples-to-apples comparison of the operating costs of the heat pump waterheaters vs gas.

[@Jesse-kf9ik]

I have an ao smith and it tracks the energy. In Florida hybrid vs electric only mode is about 3-5 less energy used.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Correct

[@xcaldyx]

Mikey easily charged the home owner 4500-5000 to install that water heater. Water heater 1800+ copper pipe/propress/expansiontank $200= 2000x100% markup=$4000 Parts Mikey pipes labor $900+85(trip charge)+ 150 shipping and handling fee. $5,135

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It's always interesting to see different perspectives on pricing and labor costs. We have a company policy to not discuss pricing. But we love to read comments from the community. Don't forget to add sales tax to the Great State of Florida in your future calculations!

[@patmurphy2472]

Amazes me they use CPVC down there. A little scary.

[@harryschrysan3183]

It looks so brittle. I would be scared to even touch this shit material.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

It’s the only thing I’m paranoid about in Florida is cpvc

[@jayphillips-xx7hd]

Hey Mike, you should use auto cutters to cut that CPC that I won’t break better than using the scissor type cutters, just saying

[@hjc0706]

I have a dual gas heaters setup 40 gal each. Will the larger heatpump water heater work? Or would I need dual heat pump water heaters?

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Why so much DHW?

[@hjc0706]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando not sure what you mean. Dual heating water? I have 5 bathrooms .

[@PipeDoctor]

What is dual? Two tanks?

[@hjc0706]

@@PipeDoctor Dual water heaters that are both 40 gallons natural gas.

[@dougstuart9222]

TOM, TOM, TOM....

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Mike, Mike, Mike

[@richardgreen7048]

Hi Mike,buffalo New Yorker here, just wondering down there in Florida, with the weather they get , apparently hot water tank hurricane straps, are not a code down there, just wondering,

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Nope not required - BTW, for water heaters it’s called Earthquake straps

[@Jesse-kf9ik]

I installed one of these heat pump water heaters from AO smith and the compressor only lasted 6 months. Lowes reviews for their units all show the same major problems. Wouldn’t recommend since ao smith was a pain for warranty. Eventually got them to replace and pay labor since they don’t fix any compressors at all period.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Came from a plumbing distributor. Not Lowe’s. Different line.

[@Jesse-kf9ik]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando thanks for response. Hopefully I just got a dud then and it will last. I saw the video and was like if Mikey pipes is installing AO smith it ought to be fine. Time will tell!

[@danacevedo4650]

Nice install Mike! Likin' the channel! I'm a M.P. in N.J. moving to Palmetto Florida in about a year. If I may ask, how did you acquire your Florida license? Thanks in advance!

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Registered t take exam. Took exams. Went before board. Got licensed. They do not reciprocate.

[@kmuttleyjr147]

How bout those new Bosch 40 gal tank electric water heaters??

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

I don’t know about them

[@01Hokiefan]

How did you pipe in the condensate drain? Drill a hole to right outside?

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Yes

[@DCHVAC]

Woah looks like someone sent a screw through it.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Looks can be deceiving. That was just a factory hole on top of the tank

[@joshuaseaton4526]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando I just installed one of these for one of my customers but it was a Rheem. They are very similar to the AO smith actually. I ducted the exhaust into the return air of the air handler for the summer and teed off to the attic for the winter. I'm doing another one next week in an interior closet that I'm going to duct into a small spare bedroom for some free cooling for grandma when she visits :).

[@CelticDT]

Easy water softener sale right there

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

next time

[@paulkenney5846]

Sorry Mike you got it wrong it’s supposed to be gotleake

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

lol

[@isaacehrlich9277]

You never wore.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Huh?

[@TIMGIM-bd8nh]

is it hot in that Florida?

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

during the summer, fuck yeah

[@michaelpaulsen64]

Am I wrong or is that PVC on top of that water heater? I guess that’s code there

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

The existing is CPVC. The new was copper. Yes it’s code here in Florida

[@JOHNPHUFNAGEL]

Mike, do you have a lot of experience with that heater? I have been thinking of getting one and a couple reviews on it are not good.I am nervous about spending that much money on a water heater.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

I hear its a great heater for Florida garages

[@RGNHomeSolutions]

You always use copper because that's what's required in New York. Let's see some PEX.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Okay 👍

[@danny302]

I do find it strange how you ended up with Tom as a partner. You don't seem to be anything alike and run your businesses in a totally different manner. Maybe I missed the video but how did you end up joining his company?

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Tom signed up for Plumbing Contractor Makeover.

[@back2backjack1]

U guys remind me of Forest Gump!! Stupid is as Stupid does!!!

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Haha, well, we'll take that as a compliment! Just trying to keep it entertaining for you guys.

[@ericmilburn9841]

I cant see putting this type of waterheater in your house. Since the biproduct is cold air and your using conditioned air for this unit to operate. Which means your burning money.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

wrong....every $1 of electric used gives you $4 of DHW

[@ericmilburn9841]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando Great video. Heat pump water heaters not great in my area. Instantaneous is the way to go. That way you’re not pulling any conditioned air.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

@@ericmilburn9841 this heat pump went into their garage. It’s perfect as it will cool off their garage in the summertime

[@ericmilburn9841]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando that definitely would be a good location with that climate. In my area we are mostly LP gas. So heating can get expensive even with a high efficiency furnace.

[@tanksgarage5821]

My water heater is from 1981. Lol

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

God bless that water heater

[@tanksgarage5821]

@MikeyPipesOrlando that's for sure, guess glass lined meant something back then lol

[@ItsTheCostanza]

Did Steve Lav install that? lol

[@gmard1]

I was hoping that was Christian, Air Force none

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Nope.

[@ItsTheCostanza]

It seems like Florida is a little botched with their HVAC lol

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Just a tad

[@ItsTheCostanza]

@@MikeyPipesOrlandodifferent states do things differently

[@kmuttleyjr147]

$5.00 off for using the customers tools. $50.00 off for transporting incorrectly.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

lol 😂

[@abrucetar]

Mikey, you need to give lessons on how to use wrenches🤦🏼‍♂️

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Tell me about it

[@orteg3940]

Mike, you have to spend much more time to train people there. Very inefficient, the lead tech doesn't know how to hold a channellocks dude...

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Slow and steady wins the race

[@orteg3940]

you got it MIKE@@MikeyPipesOrlando

[@alanporter3767]

These Florida guys aren't very bright Mikey Pipes. Just saying

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Learning curve. Patience

[@abrucetar]

Agreed

[@DabblelyDiddly]

jesus fuck cpvc supplys its worse than my house

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

lol

[@dan8220]

A.O.Smith makes junk. Can’t stand em. Brand new water heater and less than 8 months new pressure relief valve and new thermostats, never had junk like this in all my years.

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Maybe you’ve got other issues external to the heater to diagnose

[@dan8220]

@@MikeyPipesOrlando I considered that but I don’t see what it could have been. it’s electric. Had the last GE tank for 18 years, it started to leak around the welding of the heating element. Replaced with AO and 2 problems already. Voltage is fine, proper expansion tank installed. You know far more than me about them but I don’t see where a problem could be, if it were gas maybe but electric is straight forward.

[@ThumperKJFK]

👍✌

[@MikeyPipesOrlando]

Ty