Weil McLain Boiler Emergency No Heat Service Call - Vent Damper Broken

[@kens.3729]

Thanks for Restoring this Customers Heat so “Josh” was Comfortable during the Night. 🤔👍🙏

[@PipeDoctor]

Any time!

[@Twotimeshvac]

Mikey pipes and dc hvac best hvac KZbinrs most of the other ones are stuck up ... reliable...

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks so much

[@HughesManHVAC]

Would love to get Mikey Pipes and Dc (Daniel) on an episode of The Misfits of HVAC some time soon.....

[@PipeDoctor]

@@HughesManHVAClet’s setup a Saturday evening in mid-March if schedule permits

[@Nihilumbra]

Отличная работа Майк 😎 не забывай пристегиваться😅 Береги себя👍😉

[@johnwalker890]

Good job Mike, Definitely liked that you installed a disconnect to the boiler, It saves you and anyone after you to safely operate the boiler, and to diagnose it safely, I would have also installed new connectors on the roll out switch, because it seem sus and had burn marks on the connector, But good job regardless, the fact that you installed a disconnect is a definite plus on your part, and you connected the grounding conductor properly.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@Kangenpower7]

Without the disconnect switch, it is a danger to work on the boiler, as there is no way to quickly shut off power in a emergency. When seconds count, you don't want to be walking 30 feet to the circuit breaker box and spend 15 seconds to shut off the power! Looks like the boiler and lights are on the same circuit breaker! Good thing the boiler is not a significant load, only about 100 watts. It is not normally legal to put motors and lights on the same circuit beaker.

[@scottvolage1752]

Keeping it real as always Mikey Pipes. Make the trades great again.

[@PipeDoctor]

That's the plan!

[@gregs9555]

Nice fix! I've found it's usually the internal gears that wear out on those dampers

[@PipeDoctor]

This one looks like the end switch on the boiler not communicating back to the control interface

[@williamserver4332]

That gas valve is concerning. Great video.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@samsquires2877]

Good man using a Leviton switch as a service electrician I say they’re the best.

[@tedbell4416]

As a dummy that's changed a few switches always liked Leviton better.

[@arunaround5191]

Toda Mickey and Shalom ❤!!!!

[@PipeDoctor]

👍

[@dgeoffreyfitton2836]

Keep up the good work Mikey.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks, will do!

[@jayclark5912]

16 degrees this morning here across the sound in New London County. Had a run away zone on 2nd floor. Learned from Steve and Mikey keep it simple. It was thermostat battery. Checked to see if zone was really calling took if from there.

[@PipeDoctor]

Rock on!

[@kat2641]

Tape on the switch? YOUR HIRED!!! I absolutely love when I see that!!!! An ounce of safety is well worth a pound of electric shock😮 BUT SERIOUSLY?? I can not believe that was not in the van that is the way it goes tho… a part can ride 100,000 miles in the van an never use it but take that sucker out?? And guaranteed within five days you’ll need it😂😂😂😂 that’s what it always goes❤

[@PipeDoctor]

Bingo.

[@johnjacobellis3864]

Thought the tape on the switch was icing on the cake! Well done!

[@mxslick50]

@@PipeDoctor Had the same issue when I serviced movie theatre equipment. the day after I took my projector gearbox parts kit out of my truck... I had TWO consecutive calls where someone blew up a gearbox! And of course both were over 40 miles from my shop. I put that kit back in the truck....and never touched it for the next 3 years!

[@scottmaz4063]

Loved those old cloth wrapping wire usually cracks and falls apart

[@PipeDoctor]

It's like those wires are going through a midlife crisis!

[@scottmaz4063]

@@PipeDoctor yeah lol 😆

[@scottmaz4063]

Job well done as always.

[@PipeDoctor]

Thank you for your support

[@HughesManHVAC]

Nice Job Mikey!

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks for the visit

[@evergreen4034]

How did you know which black went where? Were they both hot and did it not matter? Why was their no neutral? Please forgive my novice (possibly stupid) question. Love your videos and appreciate all you do for us and your community. The way you always strive to learn, expand and do more really inspires me.

[@Kangenpower7]

Hi, I am also a HVAC Tech, and the white neutral is never switched on a 120 volt system. Usually you can tell looking at the electric box, and figure out what back wire is the input from the circuit breaker and the output wire going to the boiler. The rag wire is likely the wire coming from the circuit breaker. Usually you "Want" the wire coming from the circuit breaker to be on the top terminal, however in reality, if the circuit breaker wire is on the bottom, it will surprise the next tech, yet it is not going to make a huge difference, other than the code inspector will fail the wiring if connected to the bottom terminal. Rag wire is cloth covered wire, it might contain some asbestos? It will have some dielectric coating, to keep the cloth from conducting the power. It was typical used in the 1940's and 1950's. By 1960, they where using plastic covered wiring. This would not be the dangerous "Friable" asbestos, it would be difficult to breath in any of the asbestos from the wiring insulation.

[@PipeDoctor]

Neutral isn’t wired to the actually switch of this type. The black conductors are or will carry line. Typically the one with constant voltage goes on top of the switch. But it really don’t matter. Top or bottom. Does the same.

[@chuckq54]

Nice job Mikey. Obviously he needs more work. BTW, I’m sure you already know, but you can get more torque on those single pole hot, neutral and ground screws using either: Robertson/square drive bit; Klein multi bit; or Milwaukee ECX screwdrivers 👍👍 Hope you get the remaining work 💰

[@PipeDoctor]

Thank you

[@williamloder9194]

I have done the same thing since I work out of my pickup. I remove stock after a while if not used, then I need it.

[@scottmaz4063]

My grand kids coming down in 2 weeks. Picking them up in Orlando. Can't wait 😊

[@PipeDoctor]

Have fun!

[@andyvitz]

Nice to see you doing service calls again

[@remy1005]

Great Video Mike

[@PipeDoctor]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@ThumperKJFK]

shavua tov to you also Mikey D. Shabbat shalom. Great video as always. ✌

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks, you too!

[@shawninman6354]

There was no way you were going to drop those screws for the boiler switch, nice job.

[@PipeDoctor]

Hell no!

[@paulyanega2373]

nice job enjoy the rest of you Sat.

[@PipeDoctor]

ty

[@gmard1]

Nice job Mike. That customer needs some work on that furnace/boiler.

[@PipeDoctor]

Looks like that furnace/boiler needs a little TLC!

[@markeckman3662]

You are truly a craftsman and take pride in your trade. But WEATR YOUR SEAT BELT, please.

[@PipeDoctor]

👍

[@kangaroogod]

Ground on switch is not necessary if your on a metal box and using a metal cover technically… good job 👍🏼

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks. I know. I did it for the trolls

[@mxslick50]

Technically, you are correct. However, if that cover is removed and the switch doesn't have a ground wire, it can pose a shock hazard. I need to get the latest NEC Code book, I think there is now a requirement to have a grounding conductor to all devices on removable plates like that.

[@iggymac3473]

Hey Mike did you forget your emergency switch sticker there ? Great video

[@PipeDoctor]

Yeah I did actually

[@iggymac3473]

@@PipeDoctor we are only human Mike

[@Peety56]

I usally just change the vent damper motor assembly , also on boilers it would be nice of you showed pictures of the whole boiler and piping on your videos.That boiler definitely needs some work looked like relief valve was leaking was the expansion tank ok.

[@PipeDoctor]

Ok will do

[@sunil1979dp]

You are the best

[@PipeDoctor]

Far from the best

[@doncnunez6231]

This emergency call was sponsored by Zales, cause Mikey Giant gold bracelet obscured the wiring close-up of the power 110v switch, instead of 4 gold chains I give it 2 ⛓️

[@PipeDoctor]

Damnit

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

Mikey! Doesn't wearing the bracelet on service calls get it all gouged up? You do have fine taste in jewelry, but I would guess you might be dropping $20.00 worth of augie in each basement...@@PipeDoctor

[@NestorHVAC]

Muy bueno trabajo Mikey Pipes!!!

[@PipeDoctor]

Muchas gracias senor.

[@Kangenpower7]

Great that you can make the heat work on that boiler, and warm up that Family on the weekend! Another great video, showing how to make the heat work right!

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks 👍

[@stephenzies8867]

Bueno Miguel Bueno 👍

[@PipeDoctor]

Muchas gracias Senor

[@markoplixo]

Mikey is a good man!

[@PipeDoctor]

I try

[@stuartrose8689]

Shavua Tov Mike!

[@PipeDoctor]

👍

[@Trainman0401]

Quality electric work! I’m old school and love seeing you wrap your switch connections with tape. Question….all the various safety’s on the boiler are wired in series. Therefore why can’t you test the damper by jumping the wires to it to see if it works just like you did with the roll out switch? Nice job!👍👍

[@PipeDoctor]

I could have, but they are always changing the colors of the harness so I don’t want to short anything out.

[@Trainman0401]

@@PipeDoctor That makes sense. Thanks for the response. One other observation from watching your videos for years……you actually READ manufacturers instructions and always stress that habit to your workers. So many people in the trades think reading instructions is embarrassing but it’s not. It’s making sure the job is done right. Reading instructions more often will make the trades great again!

[@MrDmadness]

The best way to ensure you will need a part is to remove it from the truck :) if you leave it on truck you will never need it :)

[@nilolee2426]

Great video, I’m thinking replacing my old toilet and would you recommend American standard toilet cadet 3 ? Thanks

[@PipeDoctor]

Get a Toto Drake II elongated, comfort height

[@garysmith9772]

I want a gold bracelet like that that sucker got to be at least 1 ounce if it’s real of gold. Nice job hardest working guy in the trade.

[@PipeDoctor]

It’s closer to 3 oz

[@garysmith9772]

@@PipeDoctor nice!!!!!!!!

[@Al-sq5ti]

I like how all your satellite business's are in your vacation destinations 😆

[@PipeDoctor]

:)

[@WalrusHunterDan]

would I be a hack if I would have just jumped out the damper for the time being and then replaced it on a Monday.

[@PipeDoctor]

Why replace it on Monday? Why put off for another day what YOU CAN DO TODAY??

[@MrDmadness]

You never jump out a safety. If that boiler fires and the damper is in the closed position you just killed everybody in the house. You CAN set the damper switch to manual and then turn it to the open position, this closes the 24vac circuit and renders the damper inoperable meaning the damper will not turn and the boiler will fire. As pipes said though, you're already out on the call, why put off the repair ?

[@MWestern-m4g]

Get dat Moneyyyyyyyyyyy

[@johnphillipsplumbing7148]

Could you have manually opened the damper,and just leave it in the open position until Monday?

[@PipeDoctor]

Didn’t close circuit.

[@Kangenpower7]

The video clearly showed when manually opened, the damper motor closed the damper on it's own. So it is broken! They also show a plug, so the motor is 2 wires and the safety switch 2 more, so there is no easy way to power off the damper and leave it open, and have the 2 wires for the safety switch close the circuit to allow boiler operation. Likely the flue damper safety switch is bad, causing the problem.

[@rcmechanialgroup2856]

Could of used a jumper plug at the board if you don't have a damper to get heat going in an emergency.@@Kangenpower7

[@MrDmadness]

​@@Kangenpower7respectfully intended but there is a manual switch that ceases the motor operation and allows you to set it in the open position for this exact reason, I replace these often here in the Canadian north, there are times where I have 20 no heat call-in a day and am the 1st diagnostic guy that can then move in to another no heat and have an aporentice follow up after diagnostic to replace this part.

[@dogsarefun2]

Your advice please: I have a weil Mclain oil boiler hot water baseboard heat, 30 years old with a bock indirect water heater that is working fine. Maintained yearly and replaced boiler jacket couple years ago. Should I replace the boiler? How long do they usually last. Thanks in advance....

[@PipeDoctor]

Why would you replace the boiler?

[@Kangenpower7]

For a oil boiler, it takes about 1 gallon of heating oil to provide 100,000 Btu's of heat to your home. If you have a ductless heat pump, say 18,000 or 24,000 Btu's then that can provide a majority of your heat most of the fall and spring, thus saving you a LOT of money. They can provide 100,000 Btu's of heat while using about 6 KW of power with a 20 SEER ductless heat pump. Then if you have 0F weather, run the old oil boiler a few nights each winter, when you have to. So cost wise, if you paid $4 per gallon, VS having a ductless heat pump at 6 KW, that is only about $1.20? If you can save 1,000 gallons of oil this winter (or next) then that is $4,000 VS 6,000 KW of electricity at $0.20 per KW, $1,200. If you pay $0.15 per KW, then $900 to save 1,000 gallons of oil. So I would say keep the oil boiler for those very cold days, and get a 18,000 Btu single zone heat pump for your living room, and use heat from it to warm the entire home, and leave your bedroom doors open to let in the heat until night. Maybe run the boiler at night on the very coldest nights? As for hot water, a electric water heater will use 30 KW to provide 100,000 Btu's VS the boiler running and burning 1 gallon of fuel oil. So what is lower cost? 30 KW at $0.20 per KW is $6. A heat pump water heater, if located in a basement will help to dehumidify the air, and also cool the space, nice in the summer, but very cold in the winters, depending on where you live. The heat pump water heater in the summer will only use about 5 KW per 100,000 Btu's and more like 8 or 10 KW in the winter months. Also when the temperature around the heat pump water heater is below about 35F, they will normally switch to the all electric mode, thus 30 KW per 100,000 Btu's. If you only pay $0.10 per KW, then 30 KW used by a electric water heater is only $3 per 100,000 Btu's. So check your local rates. I bought a 12,000 Btu ductless heat pump from Amazon for $629 in September 2022 and put it in my nephew's place, and he saved $600 that winter, because he did not run the electric heaters nearly as much. They are practically silent! Maybe will put one in my bedroom (it is about 250 square feet in my home) and just cool my bedroom instead of the whole home to save energy.

[@dogsarefun2]

@@PipeDoctor Just being proactive. System is 86 efficient and 4 zone heat, I use about 625 gal oil a year. Don't want the system to crap out during winter. I believe i read a boiler life is 25-30 years. But that's why I asked your opinion and from your response I guess don't fix or replace till broke. Thank you!

[@dogsarefun2]

@@Kangenpower7 Thanks for all the info, I have a large ranch that is excellent for heating and cooling. I beefed up attic insulation to around R71 and have double pane windows all around the house.

[@steveblake8766]

12 thumbs up

[@PipeDoctor]

Thanks again Steve

[@fernandoprieto2865]

This is a current customer but their equipment looks like this? How would you allow a customer to not have an emergency power off? Is this a client Jason worked on?

[@PipeDoctor]

who is Jason? No, we haven't serviced this boiler since it was installed.

[@MrDmadness]

Jason Voorhees? Nah he doesn't fix stuff, he's too buisy making sure teenagers are not making out via machete. Joking asside.. did you not watch the video ? Like he literally installed a disconnect switch in the video

[@BartlettTFD]

Mikey, what happened to your aspiring young technicians? They add that comedic entertainment that makes your KZbin channel stand out from the rest😀

[@PipeDoctor]

Advancement and re-positioning

[@TheRAMBO9191]

20 minutes let's ggooo💪🏼

[@PipeDoctor]

20 minutes of pure entertainment, like a mini movie marathon!

[@TheRAMBO9191]

@@PipeDoctor just finished the mini movie of pure entertainment. Was glorious 👍🏻

[@deanguando1335]

Good ole "Town of Hempstead".

[@PipeDoctor]

👍

[@jayclark5912]

Points out the screws for the trolls...lol

[@PipeDoctor]

exactly

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

Mikey, just wait till NY tries to assess you for income tax on earned income from OUTSIDE NY... I woulda made service call carpets with a full NAVIEN logo, with a line through it.... Ghost buster-style

[@PipeDoctor]

lol, my travel expenses to and from NY to FL are a HUGE deduction. Let them try

[@RetardDumbass-e5g]

mikey pipes boiler had a STANDING PILOT your not supposed to use the plug in the damper !!

[@PipeDoctor]

It had electronic ignition

[@Kangenpower7]

At 18 minutes into this video, I can clearly see the gas valve, and there is no "Push to light pilot" as found on manual pilots, only the "On-Off" found on electric ignition pilot type.

[@scottlaferriere4499]

At about 18:10 you can hear the spark ignition.

[@MrDmadness]

It did not, it clearly was an ipi

[@brian2359]

Did you eat all your fish sticks? Lmao!

[@PipeDoctor]

i think he saved some for later!

[@nottrista_n6694]

Mike whats with the AI thumbnail! 😂

[@PipeDoctor]

it works, you commented:)

[@dogsarefun2]

Poor maintenance on that system. Lucky he got you.

[@PipeDoctor]

Maybe I should add "system maintenance expert" to my resume!

[@dogsarefun2]

@@PipeDoctor doesn't owner have annual check on his heating system? 3:55 - 3:56.

[@leonginorivera8309]

Well.sorry, Mike, I need to be honest with you. You did not teach me anything more than guessing. Next time, follow the diagram, and you will find out if the demper is bad .😂😂😂😂

[@PipeDoctor]

I understand

[@akmirdock]

1st

[@PipeDoctor]

Far from 1st. Sorry

[@scottmaz4063]

#2 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@PipeDoctor]

Better late than never

[@scottmaz4063]

@PipeDoctor you were late so badabing time was on

[@kens.3729]

The Customer Waited 20+ hours to Call your company on a Saturday Night ? Common Sense is Not Too Common since Most weren’t Lucky to be Born with it.🤪

[@PipeDoctor]

they are religious and don't use the phone on Saturday, the sabbath.

[@tjlovesrachel]

@@PipeDoctorI thought there were exceptions for such situations

[@flyingmachineworks]

Another cheap air scoop installed improperly

[@PipeDoctor]

And I’ll be the first to admit, we installed it 12 years ago as an emergency after Hurricane Sandy.