Hi,

I own a condominium that I've been renting for many years. It has a dual-system water heater (if I understand correctly it also heats the condo as well as the water?). I've had the same unit since the condo was new in December 1996.

We've had to call in a plumber twice in the last month... first because the tenant heard it making a noise like it was overworking, then the pilot light kept going out. It also had some problems a few years ago that were resolved.

I assume it's time to replace, but I wanted to check. What is the normal life of one of these? And how much should I expect to replace it? I don't know the model or capacity off the top of my head, but it's just a one bedroom condo, 800 square feet. And... if I will be replacing it, any brands or new technologies I should know about?

Thank you so much!

"I assume it's time to replace" I would not jump to this conclusion. Just because something needs repair doesn't mean it is on deaths doorstep. How many repairs in the last year, last 5 years. We can't tell much more without the brand, model and year of installation. Heil makes a very good boiler but you should get more recommendations from the other guys later today.

Thanks so much for the response. First of all, I have the model information: Lochnivar HWH, 48 gallons, 65000 BTU, 64 inches tall, 22 inches wide.

About 4 years ago the tenant didn't have hot water... when the plumber came out he said there was some disintegration in the lower unit and it didn't have much longer. But then there were no problems until a month ago when the tenant heard a churning (i.e. the motor not working properly)... the fix was $300 and now a few days ago the pilot light kept going out and we had a plumber out again. A year ago we had a plumbing repair but I can't remember if it was the water heater or something else.

I'd just like to avoid putting a lot more money into this unit, if it will need to be replaced anyhow and I'd like to be somewhat proactive so I'm not hit with a $3000 bill when it is least expected.

I did just get an estimate from a plumber for $3200 installed (Bradford White I think he said).

Appreciate any thoughts on this...

Best to get 3 estimates when you are looking at this kind of money. We are part of a home owners association with a restaurant. The furnace was onlt 5 years old and two contractors told us the exchanger was cracked, the 3rd said it was not cracked. I don't know if the other two lied or were jusat bad but the exchanger was not cracked. Lessson, don't just listen to the first repair guy.