PDA

View Full Version : Valve caps


kimdc
Dec 11, 2008, 09:19 AM
I have a very old outside unit that one HVAC company told me had multiple leaks on (Electric Heat Pump system). I am running on emergency heat until my warranty company could send someone out to see if they find leaks as well and see if I can get the repair covered (was given a price of $9,000 for a replacement system which sounds outrageous to me).

The warranty company sent someone who said they couldn't/wouldn't fill my system because my outdoor unit is missing valve caps. Now my warranty company is telling me that I have an "incomplete inspection" but they said they would cover the filling once the caps were in place. So, now I need to find out how easy it is to replace two stinkin' valve caps on the outside unit so the warranty company can re-send the person to fill the unit and check for leaks.

How easy is it to replace the valve caps -- it looks like I could just take two tire valves off my car and put them on the machine but my guess is they are different than those. Also, are they specific to a unit type? The reason I ask is my unit is so old and warn that no HVAC company has been able to tell the unit number.

Please help :)

hvac1000
Dec 11, 2008, 10:58 AM
This is the most stupid thing I ever heard of.
Tire caps will not fit but and HVAC supply house should have two caps or just stop in a local HVAC company that repairs units and get them there.
Valve caps are always supposed to be on the unit to protect the valve and keep debris out of the area. They are also there to contain any minor leaks that the valve might have.

I believe you are being played in a game. Someone probably does not want to fix the system to start with. The cap situation would not have prevented the service person from servicing the unit. Post back as this little game plays out since the next steps might be interesting.

MarkwithaK
Dec 11, 2008, 04:52 PM
Valve caps? Are you freaking kidding me? Any service tech worth a damn will have extras rolling around somewhere in their truck. To refuse to service a system because they are lacking valve caps is beyond ridiculous. As hvac1000 says, you are being played.

KC13
Dec 12, 2008, 08:45 PM
What a joke... I'd bet the farm that replacement caps are readily available from most any of your neighbors' units...

hvacservicetech_07
Dec 12, 2008, 08:52 PM
This has to be a joke! I probably have 20 caps in my tool bag. This is going to be a mess I'm afraid. Is this some time of insurance you have purchased on the system?

KC13
Dec 12, 2008, 09:06 PM
Yeah, I think some fall out of my truck every time I open a door...

hvacservicetech_07
Dec 12, 2008, 09:10 PM
LoL, I hear you!