We have to get a new oil burner

julz33 Posted: Mar 05, 2005 09:55 PM

We have to get a new oil burner

We knew we would have to get one soon but were hoping this one would last another year or two. it is about 30 years old and the previous homeowners rarely maintained it.
Well, Friday night I was suppossed to go out with my friend Kelly. She was getting sick so she decided to go home to go to sleep early, so I went home early also. I am so lucky I went home when I did because about 10 minutes after getting home I heard the oil burner making a loud noise. I went downstairs and right before my eyes water started POURING out of the flue pipe. Water isn't suppossed to be in that pipe at all and there it was pouring out like a bathtub faucet turned on high! And it was hot too. There was so much steam and a sizzling noise! Good thing I am a Mrs. Fix-it. I had the burner switches off and the water turned off within 2 minutes. What a disaster this was. In those 2 mins the whole basement was flooded. The water started heading towards 6 boxes that were delivered to Ray for his new job.. OMG you should have seen how fast I moved everything. By this point I was covered in Rusty water and all of my towels were on the floor soaked. Of course these things happen when I am home alone It s u c k ed but I realize it could have been much worse if I wasn't home. So now we have to buy a new oil burner. I am actually a little relieved because with a new one we should have all these problems we have been having lately, and the noise. We should also greatly reduce our oil use with a new one. There are so many out there we don't know which kind to get. Anyone want to recommend one or tell me what to stay away from? I just don't trust the salesmen.
Thanks

peabody Posted: Mar 05, 2005 10:17 PM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

Julie, we had to get a new oil burner too last year too, I know it *****!!!

We do know a guy and he did a great job for an amazing price. I need to find out from Phil his contact info.

D&C Posted: Mar 06, 2005 03:57 AM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

Do you have a service contract? If you do, I think a new burner is usually covered in the contract. My parents have slomins and theirs went last year and we got a new one and they never had to pay. We had no hot water for 5 days until we got it which sucked to high heaven but at least they didnt have to pay. ugh that stinks, at least thank God you were home when it happened and you didnt get hurt.

kelly4 Posted: Mar 06, 2005 08:01 AM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

sorry to hear! That really suks.

When we moved in we converted from oil to gas and got a new burner so I cant give any advice on that. I'll just share 2 stories similar to help you feel better (hopefully) as misery loves company! both sotires I was all alone like you!

My parents had our water heater burst one day because of lightening. Luckily my dad came home 10 minutes later. I was in HS and had NO clue what to do, so the basement got flooded.

When we moved into this house (DH- FH at the time was living here and I was still at home) we were doing MAJOR work on it. My DH went away for hte weekend for his BP and I decided to stay at our house and go out with my friends. Well, of course something goes wrong! The toilet started overflowing and wouldn't stop when I flushed it! The water shut off for the toilet was stuck (previous owners tiled to close to the knob and it wouldn't turn b/c the tile was in the way ) I called DH at his BP for help. Well, that also started a fight mostly me against him. Anyway, water was pouring onto the floor, into our bedroom (newly redone harddwood and then leaked err, rather was niagra falls into the kitchen below, ruinting the newly painted cabinets.....

The rest is history!

good luck! You are so lucky that your handiness kicked in!

cluelessbride Posted: Mar 06, 2005 08:23 AM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

Julie you are a superwoman! MrsFixIT!!!!!!!!!!

checka Posted: Mar 06, 2005 09:22 AM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

That stinks but it's a good thing that you knew how to shut everything off. Even though you have the expense and aggrivation of getting a new burner, in the long run, it will be much better. It will be new and you can make sure that it is maintained properly.
That's what I am worried about if we buy a house. I grew up in a house and my mom and dad fix everything around the house I usually helped them but I still don't know a lot. DH grew up in an apt and he is not handy so we are screwed

wc0143 Posted: Mar 06, 2005 11:09 AM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

That bites!!!

julz33 Posted: Mar 06, 2005 11:53 AM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

We just signed a contract but a new burner is not covered.
I am actually glad we are getting a new one. I am sick of bleeding the pipes It is like 30 yrs old and not maintained. it is just bad timing because I am all alone

btrflygrl Posted: Mar 06, 2005 01:22 PM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

Julie, I used to work for a Manufacturers' Rep in the heating industry...I know what brands are better than others. Let me know if you need any help

Hazeleyes33 Posted: Mar 06, 2005 02:56 PM

Re: We have to get a new oil burner

We just got a new oil burner and a hot water heater. We never had a hot water heater so the kids were always taking cold baths.
We went through our oil company, Marran. If you would like the price we paid, you can fm me. Thanks!