I hired Merrimack Valley Plumbing to install a boiler in my home, and my experience was overwhelmingly disappointing. While the boiler functions, the installation process and quality of work raised numerous red flags. I want to share my experience to help others make an informed decision when considering this company. Installation Issues Code Violations: The exhaust is less than 3 feet from the gas meter, and the holes drilled in the joists for intake and exhaust are less than 2 inches from the bottom, both of which do not meet code requirements. Improper Venting: Both the exhaust and intake vents are installed too close to the ground (not meeting the 12-inch clearance required for expected snowfall) and are too close to each other (less than the 12-inch separation required). Unsealed Penetration: The hole drilled in the siding was left unsealed, creating a potential entry point for rodents. Condensate Drain Issues: The installed condensate pump is leaking and wasn’t tested. Additionally, rather than a permanent drain installation, they daisy-chained it into a pump for a portable air conditioner. Wiring Errors: The zones for the primary bedroom and second floor were wired backward, causing overheating in both areas. Missing Outdoor Sensor: The outdoor temperature sensor, critical for proper operation, was not installed. No CO Alarm: A carbon monoxide alarm was not installed, which is essential for safety. Unprofessional Workmanship: Trash, including a metal duct pipe, was left in the crawl space near live electrical wires. Process Concerns Permit Delays: The company failed to file permits before starting work. I only discovered this after contacting the town permitting office myself. Mismanagement and Delays: The project stretched far beyond the promised timeline, with repeated excuses about missing parts and limited crew availability, despite prior assurances that the job would be completed in two days. Broken Promises: They claimed a project manager would take measurements in advance to ensure a smooth installation, but no one came. Additionally, they rescheduled initially, promising a larger crew, only to send a single plumber on the first day. Misinformation and Deception Throughout the project, I encountered multiple instances where Merrimack Valley Plumbing provided misleading or false information: - They lied about the dates permits were filed. - They claimed delivery issues caused delays, though they should have anticipated these based on the advance photos provided. - They repeatedly shifted blame rather than taking accountability for the delays and issues. Overall Experience While the boiler itself works, the installation was riddled with code violations, safety oversights, and poor workmanship. Additionally, the company’s lack of transparency and repeated dishonesty made an already frustrating situation worse. I would not recommend Merrimack Valley Plumbing to others. Their lack of professionalism, disregard for safety codes, and failure to take responsibility for their mistakes created an unnecessarily stressful and costly experience.