Navien’s comb-boiler (NCB) has had its share of criticism and praise alike but in my opinion there is one thing that gets me a little more than excited, the fact that nearly half the boiler must be removed to replace a part that is known to fail more than most other parts on the unit Read more
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Navien’s comb-boiler (NCB) has had its share of criticism and praise alike but in my opinion there is one thing that gets me a little more than excited, the fact that nearly half the boiler must be removed to replace a part that is known to fail more than most other parts on the unit. As you’ll see in the video the PCB, main control panel, some internal [and external] piping and circ pump all must be fully removed in order to gain access to a failed 3-way diverter valve.
If you’re not sure what the valve does, you may not be alone but its really quite simple; when idle the valve is in position to supply flow from the heat exchanger’s supply outlet to either the heating system load (hot supply to system) outlet or to the flat plate heat exchanger to satisfy a call for domestic hot water. The problem is that its a piston type valve that can and will fail in a partially open position when there’s a call for DHW. The results are low flow to a potable water faucet at higher than desired temps [hence the reason I always spec and install a thermostatic mixing valve on the domestic side outlet]. The fix, while very time consuming, is relatively simple.
Hopefully this step-by-step video will familiarize the process for you if you’re faced with replacing the valve for the first time.
If you’re interested in a tool that has helped tremendously in making the job just a little easier, check this out:
To see more specialized tools check out or friends at KC TOOL.
Navien’s combi-boiler is possibly the most common combi- in the US market but working on or replacing parts for the combi can be a real challenge. I’ve serviced and installed quite a few in the last 3-5 years and the flow sensor is definitely one part that seems to fail more than others. If you Read more
Navien’s combi-boiler is possibly the most common combi- in the US market but working on or replacing parts for the combi can be a real challenge. I’ve serviced and installed quite a few in the last 3-5 years and the flow sensor is definitely one part that seems to fail more than others. If you find yourself looking at this part replacement you may benefit from a couple tips I’ve shared in this video.
Please forgive the video quality, I decided to make this last minute and only had my iPhone (hand held without a tripod). If you find this useful please share with your friends or post to your favorite FB group.
If you’re interested in purchasing the tools I use in the video just click the links or pics below for the best pricing I have found.
Klein Stubby Ratcheting Driver
Milwaukee USB Rover
Sometimes its fun to step back and see the whole process from start to finish. Here’s a time lapse video of the prep and install for the radiant in-floor heating at the #duluthbuild project in Northern Minnesota. I’ve been trying to document each step along the way for this project we are building for my Read more
Sometimes its fun to step back and see the whole process from start to finish. Here’s a time lapse video of the prep and install for the radiant in-floor heating at the #duluthbuild project in Northern Minnesota.
I’ve been trying to document each step along the way for this project we are building for my little sister and brother-in-law and I’m starting with the over 7K sq ft of radiant. If you’d like to follow along you can search the hashtag #duluthbuild on either Facebook or Instagram, doing so will show you all the posts from the project.
If social media isn’t your thing or you’d just rather stay put here on The Hub check out these recent videos:
What is permanent? What will be there in 100 years?
Uponor Ecoflex pre-insulated job site install
Uponor’s Ecoflex pre-insulated piping system was chosen for our latest project in Duluth, MN because of its flexibility and weight. I’ve worked with a few similar products but none have been as easy to order, handle and install. Here’s a video from the install day, more to come when we install the boiler system. If Read more
Uponor’s Ecoflex pre-insulated piping system was chosen for our latest project in Duluth, MN because of its flexibility and weight. I’ve worked with a few similar products but none have been as easy to order, handle and install. Here’s a video from the install day, more to come when we install the boiler system.
If you want technical details or more information please visit uponorpro.com.
For more videos and pictures from our #duluthbuild project please check us out on Instagram!
After 38 years in the hydronics business, Stephen Minnich of Minnich Mechanical Design is hanging up the tools. The Hub’s John Mesenbrink caught up to Stephen on his last jobsite, a 24-zone radiant system at an apartment complex in Wheaton, Ill. The change-out consisted of removing two 400,000 BTU cast-iron boilers with no boiler protection Read more
After 38 years in the hydronics business, Stephen Minnich of Minnich Mechanical Design is hanging up the tools. The Hub’s John Mesenbrink caught up to Stephen on his last jobsite, a 24-zone radiant system at an apartment complex in Wheaton, Ill. The change-out consisted of removing two 400,000 BTU cast-iron boilers with no boiler protection and no mixing among other hydronic issues that cut down the life of the boilers by 10+ years.
Minnich is installing for two Lochinvar KBN models, an upgrade from their KHN models to remedy the problem. Check out the video here.
https://youtu.be/EjBc-NZO5dE
As far as what Minnich will do in the next chapter of his career, Minnich has accepted a position with an engineering firm downtown Chicago as an HVAC consultant for multi-residential units on the Chicago area. Congrats on a great career and good luck with the next chapter in your life!
See the video here: