Boiler Installation Challenges in Marin
Eichler Home Specialists
Marin County, especially Lucas Valley, is home to many Eichler houses with original radiant heating systems. The 60-year-old steel pipes in these homes are often corroded and filled with sediment. We don’t just connect a new boiler to old pipes — we pressure-test and flush the entire system first.
System flushing and pressure testing
Hard Water Conditions
Marin’s water has a high mineral content that builds up inside boiler heat exchangers, reducing efficiency and causing premature failure. We recommend and install systems with robust heat exchangers designed to handle these conditions, and include magnetic filters on every installation.
Magnetic filters included on every install
Correct Sizing Matters
An oversized boiler short-cycles, wasting fuel and wearing out components. An undersized one runs constantly and never keeps up. We perform a full heat load calculation based on your home’s actual square footage, insulation, and window area — not guesswork.
Full heat load calculation performed
Our Marin Boiler Installation Process
System Evaluation
For Eichler homes, we start with a pressure test of the in-slab piping. For all homes, we perform a heat load calculation to ensure your new boiler is sized correctly.
System Flushing & Preparation
We thoroughly flush all existing radiant lines to remove decades of sludge and debris. This step is vital to protect the new boiler’s heat exchanger from immediate damage.
Professional Installation
We install the new boiler along with all necessary pumps, valves, expansion tanks, and controls — ensuring the entire system is set up for optimal performance in Marin’s environment.
Testing & Handoff
We fire up the new boiler, test performance, and walk you through its operation. We don’t leave until you’re confident in your new system.
Boiler Options for Your Marin Home
Novato Boiler Installation FAQs
Do I need a permit for a boiler installation in Novato?
Yes. The City of Novato and Marin County require permits for boiler replacements. We pull the permit and schedule the inspection as part of our standard installation process — you don’t have to deal with the building department.
How long does a boiler installation take?
A standard replacement takes one to two days. For Eichler homes that require system flushing and pressure testing, allow two to three days. We’ll give you a firm timeline when we provide your estimate.
Can you connect a new boiler to my Eichler’s original pipes?
Only after we’ve pressure-tested them and confirmed they’re leak-free. If the pipes are compromised, we can often abandon the bad loop and reroute rather than jackhammering the slab. Learn more about our Eichler restoration process →
What brands do you install?
We primarily install Lochinvar, Navien, Triangle Tube, NTI, and Viessmann — all brands with proven track records in Marin’s hard water environment.