I live in the state of NY. Does anyone know if it is code to have a low level cutoff when installing a boiler? I am not sure exactly what that is or where it would be installed but I wanted to make sure. I had an estimate by a company and they don't seem like they are going to do this unless I want it.


Also can anyone tell me about Pennco, Buhrnam and Carrier boilers. How do they compare and what are the pros and cons. Thanks.

I live in the state of NY. Does anyone know if it is code to have a low level cutoff when installing a boiler? I am not sure exactly what that is or where it would be installed but I wanted to make sure. I had an estimate by a company and they don't seem like they are going to do this unless I want it.


Also can anyone tell me about Pennco, Buhrnam and Carrier boilers. How do they compare and what are the pros and cons. Thanks.hot water is a CLOSED system,, low cutoff not very usefull( unless it require by code; where as steam system require one),, your boiler always have water in it ( unless the boiler leak badly)... as for the boiler name... if they are compatible get the cheapest one ( get the basic one; the more bell and whistle it has the easier for it to break)

They said it wouild be an additional $300 if I were to have them install it. I am trying to check with our town code to see if it is required. As far as the boiler names, you are saying they are all compatible? The Carrier would be $600 more than the Pennco and the Burhnam is $700 more than the Carrier. Of course, that is the services also, but they all seem to be doing the same thing. Thanks for replying.

$300 sounds ridiculously high for a float switch or sensor and a pair of wires. Maybe talk to another installer. In the real world, things do go wrong, and things like low water cutoffs reduce the consequences. On the other hand, I doubt a licensed contractor would risk violating code by leaving a required safety device off. Is your contractor licensed?

Yes he is licensed. I am checking with the town by email to see if it is required. I will hopefully find out soon. Thanks.

Just found out that it is code to have a low water cutoff in my town. So, labman, you think $300 extra for that is high? Like I said, the other guys are $300(because of the low water cutoff) to $1000 more than than these guys who will do the lo water cut off regardless. They seem to be accounting for that. Anyway, thanks for your input.

Hey I don't know anything about why you're trying to install a boiler I'm assuming its for an apartment building and it's broken I would recommend puttng in baseboard heaters in and wiring them to each units electric and forgoing the boiler althougher I installed base boards and my 8 family apartment and its great cost me $6000 but now tenants pay to heat and they're easy to fix... it paid for itself in one year from no heat bills. With the rising cost of engery you should give it some consideration. Not trying to tell you how to do things but it's worked for me.

I appreciate your input but it is for my house. It's a proactive move more than anything. With costs of everything going up, I think it would be wise to do it now than later. Thanks for everyone's input on this matter.

A new 120 volt low water detector costs about $100.00
Installation would cost about another $150.00

Water seems to be leaking from under my pennco boiler. What seems to be the problem? I saw water there before but it quickly dried up. Now it seems to be continuous.

Must have a small crack starting. How old is the boiler? Also you should start your own thread for asking questions. It will help to get the answered