Are you about to relocate your boiler, but worried about the fact you need to run a condensate pipe?
If you’ve heard stories of condensate pipes freezing or being awkward to route to a drain – or even that it may have to run across the surface of a wall from the boiler to a drain – then you’re not alone.
As an experienced engineer, I find this fear and confusion is usually completely unnecessary. Fitting a condensate is actually quite straightforward, and there doesn’t have to be any drama. Even if your boiler is to be located quite far from a drain, there are actually plenty of options available. So, try not to panic!
Having fitted my fair share of condensates over the years, there are some things to know, however. Let me share the 6 most important facts about condensates with you below, so you can consider yourself clued-up.
1. All modern boilers can’t run without one
Essentially, a condensate pipe takes waste water away from the boiler. All modern condensing boilers require a condensate pipe to run to a suitable drain. There’s no way round it, so finding a suitable solution before installation is absolutely imperative.
However, there are plenty of options. It can be taken to the outside, run internally, or even pumped through a 10mm plastic tube rising vertically, then to a drain.
2. They can and will freeze when exposed to the elements
And the last thing you want is for that to happen in the depths of winter! So, if your condensate pipe is going to be external, ensure it’s larger than 22mm. It should be ideally 32mm (1 1/4″), lagged and have a good (fall) run down to the drain.
3. Laminate or concrete flooring can be tricky
It’s sometimes very difficult to get condensate pipes across concrete floors, or under the floor due to laminate flooring or tiles. If this is an issue, a pump can be used to collect the water and pump up and over to a drain. This can possibly be done through a void in a ceiling or a pipe box.
4. There can be underfloor problems, too
If a condensate pipe is running under a floor to connect to a drain, there are still potential issues. For instance, the pipe must be clipped or supported, so it will not sag with the weight of the water within. It must also have a good fall to the drain, otherwise water will lie in the pipe and be susceptible to freezing.
To avoid freezing, the pipe must also be lagged under the floor.
5. They contain slightly acidic waste water
Condensate waste water is slightly acidic, and care must be taken as to where it is drained. If, for example, you have an old property with a lead trap drain to an old sink, the condensate waste will burn through this within a few months.
It can be rerouted to another drain, or you can fit a PH equaliser which is a cartridge filled with limestone chippings that will fit on the pipe and neutralise the water as it passes through.
6. No drain? No worries with this solution
If the condensate discharges outside and no drain is available, a purpose made soakaway can be fitted. This must be fitted to the manufacturer’s specifications. In other words, the correct distance from the property, and the correct depth down, so dampness does not come into the house.
Again, this is filled with limestone chippings to neutralise the condensate water.
Advice from an experienced engineer
If your boiler is located quite far from a drain, it can be labour intensified. However, with modern solutions, the condensate water can be pumped through the pipe, meaning it doesn’t always have to run downhill. This was a problem in the past as if it didn’t run down (fall), the water stayed in the pipe.
If the only route is a long distance, and requires lifting carpets and flooring, it can up the cost and upheaval of your installation, and may take around 3 – 4 hours. But, it’s by no way an impossible task. As long as your engineer is experienced and fits to manufacturer’s instructions, there shouldn’t be an issue.
TIP: If you know you live on a snow line or an area very open to the elements, state this to your installer. There are now even heaters that can be fitted to stop your condensate freezing.
Just like many installers, when condensing boilers became popular we had condensate pipes freezing. It’s not good for clients, and it was costly for us having to go back to fix the issue. Having gained this knowledge, we always try to keep the condensate internal, or fit a pump. If the pipe has to go outside, we now take extra measures to ensure no issues in the future.
Finally, if a condensate pipe is taken to a rainwater pipe outside and is 32mm (1 1/4″), there must be an air break. This is so the water doesn’t back up and flood the boiler during heavy downpours or storms etc.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has been helpful when finding out all you need to know about condensate waste pipes. There are plenty of options, so you shouldn’t have to worry. However, speak to your chosen engineer, and see what they advise. It could be a relatively straightforward job. No dramas.
They might even be able to advise you on other options when relocating your combi boiler. You’ll never know if you don’t ask!
Finally, do you have any questions about condensate waste pipes when relocating your boiler? Let me know in the comments. I’m here to help!
