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  1. #1
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    Default On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    This NTI Trinity On Demand gas water heater is spilling acid onto the sidewalk.
    The exhaust vent appears to be ABS. I called for a discharge tube on the PRV and repair by a qualified gas heating technician.

    Does anyone see a problem with this installation that I should know about?

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    Last edited by John Kogel; 06-24-2012 at 07:03 PM.
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Did they cut out the foundation wall to install this?

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Should be PVC Schedule 40, 6" dia vent. Never seen ABS used, ever!
    Condensate line looks suspicious, partially clogged.

    NTI - NY Thermal Inc. :: Gas Boilers - Trinity Ti

    See also installation manual

    http://www.nythermal.com/uploads/fil...2012-04-09.pdf


  4. #4
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Without a better close-up view, my guess is that carbonation is occuring in the concrete matrix. That being, an excess of carbon dioxide in the exhaust moisture being steadily deposited on the concrete surface. Have seen similar (but far more destructive) examples on newer concrete surfaces exposed to carbon dioxide combustion products, to the extent of large chunks of corner concrete bridge parapets breaking off. Nasty stuff, that carbon dioxide.

    And to think it's in every single breath that we all exhale. Good thing the trees around us love it, and replace it with oxygen. Is this a great planet, or what?!


  5. #5
    Brian T's Avatar
    Brian T Guest

    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Check the Trinity website there is a safety recall that might be related to this.

    NTI - NY Thermal Inc. :: Important Safety Updates

    Important Safety Recall
    NY Thermal Inc. has determined that the condensate fitting located within the boiler may prematurely deteriorate. As NY Thermal Inc. cannot predict the occurrence of the anomaly, the condensate fittings must be replaced immediately.
    Models Covered
    All Trinity boilers manufactured between Nov. 28, 2005 and Jan. 8, 2007, or serial numbers greater than 06T-16000 must be upgraded. See diagram for location of information.

    What to Do
    1. If your boiler was manufactured between Nov. 28, 2005 and Jan. 8, 2007, contact the person you purchased the unit from and advise that you require an immediate and mandatory safety update.
    2. If you are unsure if your unit falls between the specified dates, contact NY Thermal Inc. and we will determine this for you. Please provide the serial number displayed on the silver decal on the outer casing of the boiler. (Example 06T-1234)
    Details
    Trinity Ti 400 Safety Condensate Tee Upgrade
    Trinity Ti 100-200 Safety Condensate Y Upgrade
    For More Information
    Contact NY Thermal Inc. at 1-800-688-2575.


  6. #6
    steve noel's Avatar
    steve noel Guest

    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    According to the manual ABS is NOT approved for the venting... if it turns out to be abs

    My guess is that the vent is tipped outward allowing condensate to spill on the concrete... the vent should be tipped inward to eliminate the possibility of freezing in the winter.

    The condensate piping off the boiler should take care of any moisture produced.


  7. #7
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    Safety Harbor, FL
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    John,
    Are extensions required on the TPR valves up there?


  8. #8
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Gas appliance mounted on plywood, not thrilled with that. you'd have to check the manual for separation requirements
    is that a functional service walk in front of that exhaust? If so then check local requirements for clearances

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  9. #9
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    I beleive that the air intake and exhaust flues should be pitched back toward the unit with a condensate drain installed. This would eliminate the dripping onto sidewalk. I just noticed Steve addressed this already.

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  10. #10
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell View Post
    Did they cut out the foundation wall to install this?
    That's a wood framed wall with concrete below the housing. The cut material is white styrofoam, It is exposed, but it's in a crawlspace, in the grey area. I think it should be drywalled.
    Quote Originally Posted by BridgeMan View Post
    Without a better close-up view, my guess is that carbonation is occuring in the concrete matrix. That being, an excess of carbon dioxide in the exhaust moisture being steadily deposited on the concrete surface.
    I said 'acid', but I think we agree, it is the condensate from incomplete combustion which is eating up the concrete. As the other guys are saying, the exhaust vent is all wrong.
    What is odd, is that the drip appears to be coming from the air intake.
    Quote Originally Posted by Brian T View Post
    Check the Trinity website there is a safety recall that might be related to this.

    NTI - NY Thermal Inc. :: Important Safety Updates

    Important Safety Recall
    NY Thermal Inc. has determined that the condensate fitting located within the boiler may prematurely deteriorate. As NY Thermal Inc. cannot predict the occurrence of the anomaly, the condensate fittings must be replaced immediately.
    Models Covered
    All Trinity boilers manufactured between Nov. 28, 2005 and Jan. 8, 2007, or serial numbers greater than 06T-16000 must be upgraded. See diagram for location of information.

    What to Do
    1. If your boiler was manufactured between Nov. 28, 2005 and Jan. 8, 2007, contact the person you purchased the unit from and advise that you require an immediate and mandatory safety update.
    2. If you are unsure if your unit falls between the specified dates, contact NY Thermal Inc. and we will determine this for you. Please provide the serial number displayed on the silver decal on the outer casing of the boiler. (Example 06T-1234)
    Details
    Trinity Ti 400 Safety Condensate Tee Upgrade
    Trinity Ti 100-200 Safety Condensate Y Upgrade
    For More Information
    Contact NY Thermal Inc. at 1-800-688-2575.
    Ser # 03T - 6202. This one's OK. Good info.

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Wisnewski View Post
    John,
    Are extensions required on the TPR valves up there?
    I called for one to be installed. We have a good gas code, but it is not enforced and there are some careless installers out there.

    Quote Originally Posted by Markus Keller View Post
    Gas appliance mounted on plywood, not thrilled with that. you'd have to check the manual for separation requirements
    is that a functional service walk in front of that exhaust? If so then check local requirements for clearances
    Thanks, Marcus. This is an 8 year old installation. I suspect it was never properly inspected.

    Thanks, Raymond. I'll take a look at that manual. 3 or 4" is correct for that size heater, but you are right, ABS is not.

    Last edited by John Kogel; 06-25-2012 at 10:07 AM.
    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  11. #11
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    John, I really didn't look closely at all the pictures at first. Is this being used to supply hot water for heating also?

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  12. #12
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Quote Originally Posted by Tom Rees View Post
    John, I really didn't look closely at all the pictures at first. Is this being used to supply hot water for heating also?
    Yes, the plumbing to the left is infloor heating. The white pex pipes going to the right are for domestic.

    The system was working well enough, but there are some installation issues, no doubt. The valve above the expansion tank is weeping a bit.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  13. #13
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    I am wondering if any others are concerned about the fact that the hot water for radiant is stagnant in the summer and the possibility of bacteria growth or is this a closed system where the two cannot cross connect. I usually include this narrative:
    A hydronic/domestic hot water (DHW) system is installed, where one water heater supplies hot water for both potable water (drinking, washing and bathing) and for heating interior spaces. This appears to be an "open" system, where a cross connect allows water from the hydronic loop to mix with water from the potable water loop. This type of system can act as an "amplifier" for Legionella bacteria due to stagnant water being at low temperatures in the hydronic loop when the interior space heating system is inactive. This poses a risk for Legionnaires' disease. Such "open" systems are not allowed in some municipalities due to this risk. Recommend consulting with a qualified hydronic heating specialist to discuss alternatives and/or modifications to this system.
    For more information, visit this link:
    Legionnaires' disease by Dave Yates - MasterPlumbers.com PlumbViews

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  14. #14
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    New Mexico
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    The Trinity Combi unit has a heat exchanger for DHW. It's not an open system. I assume this is the Combi unit since it has the connections present for DHW. The Standard Ti150 requires a tank for DHW.

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  15. #15
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Thanks Jim, It looked like to me that the photo shows the heat and culinary teeing off of same line at left side.

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  16. #16
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    The domestic hot water pipe has a drain line that looks like it connects to the pipe below, but does not. There are 2 separate loops. The silver unit is a mixing valve to temper the DHW.

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  17. #17
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    Thanks John.

    Tom Rees / A Closer Look Home Inspection / Salt Lake City, Utah
    http://acloserlookslc.com/

  18. #18
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    After looking at some information online I belive it's a boiler/water heater. It is a 90%+ condensing unit. PVC pipe is used for flue pipes in these types of boilers, in my opinion there should not be a problem with the ABS. See what others say.


  19. #19
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    The installation instructions only state PVC/CPVC is to be used.

    http://www.nythermal.com/uploads/fil...2012-04-09.pdf


  20. #20
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.

    General Installation Requirements
    The installation of the NTI Trinity Ti gas boiler must conform to the requirements of this manual, your local authority, and the National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1 and or CAN/CGA B149 Installation Codes. Where required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, the installation must conform to the standard for “Controls and Safety Devices for Automatically Fired Boilers ANSI/ASME CSD-1.


  21. #21
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    Default Re: On demand WH is ruining the concrete.


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