Drainage for boiler condensate

[Dodge]

Hi

I'm in the process of having a new condensing boiler fitted. The issue I have is regarding the disposal of the condensate. The options are as follows:

1. Connect 22mm pipe to the gutter down pipe. The FW and SW drainage for the house are separate so I would need to use a neutralizer. The neutralizer would need to be changed every 12 months so this is not an ideal solution, and I suspect not entirely legal.

2. Run a 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" waist pipe into the FW inspection chamber. This would involve installing a washing machine stack under the boiler in the garage, running the 1 1/2" pipe through the wall, then underground into the side of a pre-cast concrete inspection chamber which is about 18-24" in depth. Once inside the inspection the pipe would be routed such that the condensate would be deposited directly in the gully in the same direction as the flow. The total length for the 1 1/2" waste pipe would be around 10ft, mostly above ground, only the last 2-3ft being underground.

Any views on what the best solution would be would be gratefully received.

Regards

Paul

[Dave_L]

The condensate - does it have any nasties in it?

If not (I'd assume it was just water) I wouldn't have any problems with option 1......

[Mikey_C]

i'm told it is slightly acidic about the same as vinegar. I fear it may be a bit stronger than that. I still can't see a problem with putting this into a s/w drain (I take it by name the s/w drain, it does go to a soak away). Your corgi registered boiler installer must be able to advise on such things, failing that the boiler manufacture may be able advise.

[Dave_L]

Hmmmmm I know where I'd be putting it.......

[flowjoe]

On your chips ?

[Dave_L]

I'll pass on that Joe!!

[Dodge]

The condensate is acidic, and having read various articles on the web is likely to become a major issue in the coming years.

All new boilers are condensing, each one puts out something like 4 litres per day. Multiply that by the number of households and the problem is set to rise.

My SW drain goes into the local water course so I am not keen on connecting the condensate output to it. The best option, but more difficult is to run a pipe into the side of an IC. Is this acceptable or is it a big no no?

Regards

Paul

[Dave_L]

The ic - is it a storm water or a foul run ic?

[Dodge]

The ic - is it a storm water or a foul run ic?

The IC is foul water.

[Suggers]

Ours runs into the foul ic - standard practise. What are you doing about the flue?

[Dave_L]

The ic - is it a storm water or a foul run ic?

The IC is foul water.

Well thats your answer then, just pipe into that. Sorted!

[Dodge]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll lift a patio slab and route a 1 1/2" waste pipe into the side of the concrete IC. Are these concrete inspection chambers reinforced? Can I use a standard TCT core drill to cut the hole? Is OK to seal the hole around the waste pipe with cement?

Suggers - As for the flue, not my problem, that's down to the plumber. Problem is the plumber wanted to charge the earth for routing the pipe work for the condensate.

[Dave_L]

No, not reinforced, Dodge. And a core drill and 1 & 1 sand/cement mix will be fine.

[matt h]

if you fit a condensafe filter, which costs less than £20, and change it at service, there is no problem, the water can discharge to a soakaway or other drain with impunity... sorts out the acid problem and doesnt need any special attention

[matt h]

if you fit a condensafe filter, which costs less than £20, and change it at service, there is no problem, the water can discharge to a soakaway or other drain with impunity... sorts out the acid problem and doesnt need any special attention. condensate pipework externally should be lagged and min one and quarter inch pipe