Paloma Restriction ?

[Rex Delay]

Noticed today that the hot water flow is about 1/2 of the cold water flow. Have a Paloma demand heater. My first idea is that the heater has scaled up (even though the water is very soft here). Anybody know a simple and not labour intensive way to flush the hot water system? It has been in operation for at least 10 years.

[Rex Delay]

OK, plan A, attach the intake line to the pressure pump to a gallon of muriatic acid. Pump it into the system with hot tap open until acid gets to tap. Turn off, let stand for an hour or so and then flush. Am I missing anything? Will the acid affect the pump?

[GordMay]

Check the incoming water filter.
Turn off the water heater and disconnect the power source and water supply. Drain the water heater completely.
Remove the water filter by unscrewing it from the unit and then sliding it out.
Clean the water filter by placing it under running water. Use a soft brush if necessary to remove excess dirt and sediment.
Slide the water filter back into the unit and screw into place.

Check out the Paloma website:
➥ Tankless Water Heaters by Paloma for Residential and Commercial Applications
➥ Paloma Tankless Water Heaters > Owners > Homeowner > Use & Care Manuals

[Rex Delay]

Did not know there was a filter inline. Will go back to the boat in the morning to either find filter or discover model number to reference the mauals you sent. Thank you.

[Cheechako]

Good info! BTW: if the Paloma has given up the ghost, this similar, newer design is even better, very uniform heat and auto lighting etc. I got one for $105 by looking around. Eccotemp Portable Tankless Water Heater - L5

[Rex Delay]

It is a Model PH-5-3F. A look at it this morning indicates it is not likely to have an input filter. Paloma appears to no longer exist as emails bounce back. The manual, though very small print, does not indicate a filter. Therefore back to plan A, soak the unit in muriatic acid. Anyone see the downside of this?

[Rex Delay]

I just found a much better idea! This one is ventless and type approved for boats!

1.6 gpm LPG Propane White Ventfree tankless gas water heater no flue required

Gas Water Heater

And - at $200, why fix the Paloma which is not approved for boats?

[Cheechako]

Hmmmm.... the Eccotemp L5 I mentioned doesnt require a stack either... it does come with a heat deflecter to use on the top if you need it to keep heat off the bulkhead. Be careful, I'm not sure "ventless" means no exhaust from the burning propane! I'm guessing it means "you dont need a pipe on the top". I'm dubious about approved for marine use... is there a specific certification? USCG, UL approved etc...?

[Uncle Bob]

The product of combustion has to go somewhere!
The volume of a boat is very small compared to a dwelling!
Why would you do it to yourself?
If you go down this path prepare will.

[shorebird]

Originally Posted by Rex Delay

I just found a much better idea! This one is ventless and type approved for boats!

1.6 gpm LPG Propane White Ventfree tankless gas water heater no flue required

Gas Water Heater

And - at $200, why fix the Paloma which is not approved for boats?

My understanding is there is no code anywhere in North America that approves non-vented on-demand gas burning appliances, and no on-demand water heaters are approved for boats in Canada. Approved for boats by who?

[Rex Delay]

I sent them an email requesting technical data, no answer yet (but not really expected). Have several boats interested. The unit is CSA approved but I seek proof that it is CSA approved for boats. My Paloma is not, the last survey stated it cannot but used underway due to the pilot light. Electronic ignition overcomes that issue. I like to be able to do the dishes or have a shower underway.

[Rex Delay]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

The product of combustion has to go somewhere!
The volume of a boat is very small compared to a dwelling!
Why would you do it to yourself?
If you go down this path prepare will.

No different than the Paloma, keep the hatch open when in use!

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Uncle Bob

The product of combustion has to go somewhere!
The volume of a boat is very small compared to a dwelling!
Why would you do it to yourself?
If you go down this path prepare will.

He's been using the Paloma for 10 years it appears, so must know how to do it properly. I used one for 3 years with no issues. But you're right, for someone who steps aboard, starts the engine and points the boat to the destination on his Chevron Auto road map.... well... he better not do it!
I see no differnce in a propane Hot water heater or a propane cook stove. Both are unvented and dont supply replacement air.
My opinion is that the risk of an explosion is much higher than a worry about carbon monoxide for the average user... and cook stoves dont have safety features regading the flow of gas like the newer water heaters.... every year the TV news has a couple of boat explosions on it up here. Not sure if they are gas explosions or propane, but one in the last year was deemed propane issue...

[nwdiver]

I have a Paloma and have had several over the years and know of many in the PNW, they were never approved for boats but hot water on demand wins out.
I have never heard of anyone DIEING from the fumes, or having any problem. Hell if I cook a pot of pasta sauce for 4 hours there is much more exhaust in the boat than a 5-6 minute shower. The, oh you can’t do that group on this forum are totally wrong on this.

[shorebird]

The non-vented appliances are supposedly designed with an oxygen depletion sensor which will shut off the appliance when oxygen gets scarce. I actually use one in my cabin, and love it, but would not use a non-vented version on our boat.