Despite running the recirculating pump on my outdoor mounted Tankless Water Heater, I had some partially exposed bypass valves freeze up. In my attempt to get water flowing again, I used a propane torch (cooler than MAP Gas, less likely to cause secondary damage) to warm the valves & try actuating, to free up blockages. Ended up breaking off valve handles.
At 7:45 AM on Friday, I called Shafer Services. (They had taken over the operations of Steve's Plumbing, who was best plumber in town, before retiring). Regardless, I advised them of specific situation and that the repair would require 2, possibly 3 each 3/4" 90 degree-actuating PEX ball valves. I also requested an afternoon appointment, so that the temperatures could rise up. I was assigned an appointment between 1:00-3:00 PM.. Also, since I wasn't a member of the "Shafer Family Plan" there would be an additional $50 charge. (Whatever, I just wanted my hot water back on)
At 3:15 PM I called to check the status, and was informed that the plumber was running late on his prior appointment, but would be at my home in about an hour. He finally arrived around 4:45, as temperatures were beginning to fall, again. He took a quick look and saw some frozen sections of PEX. Stating that he had just used up two tanks of MAP gas thawing out pipes in a similar situation at his last job, he suggested it would be best if he came back the following day and performed the work when the temperatures were forecast to be warmer. Looking at the hourly forecast, I advised that he wait until after noon. He agreed and said he would see me the next day.
At 1:00 PM, the next day (Saturday) I called Shafer, to check on the status of my follow-up appointment. I was advised that I wasn't on their schedule for the day. When I inquired why, I was told that they needed parts, and that the Supply House was closed on Saturday. (Despite the fact that I had advised them of the exact parts needed at 7:45 AM Friday, and that Fergeson's Plumbing Supply is open until Noon on Saturday). They advised me that they couldn't get back to my house, before Tuesday.
Regardless, I advised them that I had figured out a way to work around a sediment filter, that I no longer needed. This would eliminate the need for any replacement valves and simply required a new 3/4" PEX Line from the Water Heater to the house return inlet. Supplies that any plumbing vehicle should have on hand, at all times. I was told, that, given this new situation, they should be able to get their next free plumber over to my house. (Probably between 3:00 & 4:00).
At 3:30 I decided to check the status, and received a voicemail message, that they were closed. No one ever showed up.
Out of frustration, with most of the PEX already thawed, I grabbed my propane torch and some pliers (to grab onto what was left of my valve handles) Thawed out the ice in the valves, and was able to bypass all of the damaged sections of my equipment. (Subsequent to the initial visit from Shafer, a$250 Scale Cutter housing ruptured from ice expansion). It has now been a week since my initial call to Shafer, and they have NEVER called to follow up. If they dare send me any invoice, I plan on telling them where they can shove it!
I've already ordered a replacement Scale-cutter system for my Rinnai unit. I'm not sure what plumber I'll be using to install and clean up the PEX Tubing, but it most certainly will not be Shafer. read more