This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey replaces a water heater and boiler with a single unit that's much more efficient. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps.)
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Shopping List for How to Install a Combination Boiler/Water Heater:
- Plywood panel, used for mounting new combination boiler[BR]
- Combination boiler/water heater, including mounting hardware
- PVC pipe and fittings
- Outdoor temperature sensor
- PVC condensate line with limestone neutralizer
- Condensate pump
 
Tools List for How to Install a Combination Boiler/Water Heater:
- Screwdriver
- Drill/driver with 4-inch hole saw
- Tape measure
Steps for How to Install a Combination Boiler/Water Heater:
1. Mount a plywood panel to the basement wall to serve as a mounting panel for the new combination boiler.
2. Run new gas, electrical, and plumbing lines to the plywood panel.
3. Screw the metal mounting brackets to the plywood panel, then hang the combination heater onto the brackets.
4. Drill two 4-inch-diameter holes through the house wall for the exhaust vent and air intake vent. Be sure the air intake is above the snow line, and that the exhaust vent is 12 inches from a window and 12 inches from the air intake.
5. Use PVC pipe and fittings to create the exhaust and air intake vents. Run the piping from the boiler through the exterior wall.
6. Connect hot- and cold-water lines to the combination boiler to deliver water to the heating system and the domestic water fixtures.
7. Connect the gas line and new electrical cable to the combination boiler.
8. Mount an outdoor temperature sensor onto the north side of the house to help regulate the production of hot water.
9. Run a PVC condensate line with limestone neutralizer from the combination heater to a nearby utility sink drain or floor drain. Use a condensate pump to drain away the excess condensation.
10. Turn on the combination boiler, and it should immediately start making hot water.
11. Remove and discard the old boiler and water heater.
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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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