Pilot light keeps blowing out

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by CSDS, 22nd Nov, 2018.

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  1. CSDS

    CSDS Well-Known Member

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    Hi there,

    The pilot light for the hot water system at my IP keeps blowing out in the windy weather and the agent keeps calling out the plumber to re-light. This is getting expensive.

    The plumber suggested replacing the unit so the light does not keep going out in windy weather. His advice is:

    "Other options would be to replace the unit for an electric instantaneous (Thermann 16) which does not have a pilot light to blow out or a Bosch Hydro unit.

    Cost to replace to a Electric instantaneous :- $1,600+gst($1,760inc GST) that includes electrician to put in a power point for the unit.

    Cost to replace to a Bosch Hydro :- $1,270+GST($1,397 inc gst)"

    Does anyone have experience of what to do in this situation and if the prices above sound reasonable?

    Thanks
     
  2. Propertunity

    Propertunity Well-Known Member

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    How about your PM educates the tenant on how to re-light the pilot light themselves? :rolleyes:
     
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  3. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    How old is the unit? It doesn't sound right that it keeps going out (most units aren't affected by wind unless the cover is off etc.)

    The Y-man
     
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  4. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Can't the tenant read the instructions on how to ignite the pilot light? Turn the knob, press piezo. Video
     
  5. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Send tenants instructions to light it

    See if its actually going out because water is dripping on it. If its leaking it might be a different issue altogether
     
  6. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep, also could be faulty thermostat etc.

    The Y-man
     
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  7. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, we been on this roundabout with some lazy PMs.....

    If doing some renos or enough money, install the electric ignition ones, otherwise, find a PM that will tell them too re light.

    If systems are really old, I would change both system and PM if it has not been suggested to change old gas system prior.
     
  8. marmot

    marmot Well-Known Member

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    We just replaced an old Bosch Hydro with a Bosch continuous pilot ,its in a very exposed area to the wind and have never had any problems with the wind blowing out the pilot , so far.
    We steered clear from the hydro replacement , as the hydro unit does struggle to last after 8 years .The first question I mentioned to the plumber was the fact its exposed to the prevailing sea breeze and where most storms come from.
    It comes with a sliding glass window so their is no exposure to the wind.
    Trying to light a pilot with a naked flame in a 40 kph breeze at 5 in the morning while its belting down with rain is not the most pleasant way to start the day .
     
  9. marmot

    marmot Well-Known Member

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    Also try and communicate with the person that actually went out and had to relight the pilot light, rather than get second hand information from the PM.
    He might be able to shed more light on the state and age of the unit , or if their is a problem with the pilot injector line.
    Certain types of units are renown for having quirky problems that most plumbers are fully aware off.
     
    Joynz likes this.
  10. Tom Rivera

    Tom Rivera Property Manager Business Member

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    It sounds to me like something is wrong with it if the pilot light keeps going out in the wind? Is it an especially old unit?
     
  11. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    More like an old old flame. :rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: 24th Nov, 2018
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  12. dabbler

    dabbler Well-Known Member

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    The unit has blown....