Clogged coil Electric H2O heater

[tuhll]

Hello knowledgeable ones. I would like to install an electric water heater to take care of the domestic hot water supply to my house because the coil in the boiler needs to be replaced and I don't feel that the boiler's initial quality is worth spending $600-$800 to replace the coil. I have a private well as a water supply, not public. To install the new heater, do I simply sever the hot and cold lines going to and from the boiler and connect to the electric heater as per instructions? Do I need to install a thermal expansion tank? I am still a little confused on the whole open/closed water system. I will be installing a vacuum relief valve as per manufacturer's instructions. Should i also install a backflow preventer valve and if so, where? I intend to install a shutoff valve on the cold water inlet side and thought it would be wise to do so on the hotwater side. I'm using a ball valve for both. Any advice other than call a qualified plumber ? Thanks so much for any help you folks can put forth.

 

[johnjh2o]

You can just cut the lines to the coil. If your on well water there is no need for a thermal expansion tank. All you need is one valve on the clod side of the new heater, a ball valve is the way to go. There is also no need for a backflow device. The only other thing you may what to consider is the lines at the coil may be 1/2". If you have a 3/4" hot and cold line nearby use them to connect to the heater.

John

 

[tuhll]

Thanks so much for the quick response John. I will go ahead and install as per your recommendation. Unfortunately, the cheapskate builder plumbed the domestic side all in 1/2" from the boiler to the rest of the house.

Best,

Tommy