Hi Can someone help advise My boiler that was new about 3 years ago has the condenser pipe connected to the gutter downpipe Recently when I had my boiler service I was advised I needed to change the gutter pipes to avoid water going back into my boiler? Can anyone advise if this is a real risk and what is needed to prevent this from happening? I’m not in a financial position to pay for the work on what I have been quoted Thanks
The condensing pipe should either go directly into the drain, or better still, into the soil stack within the house in order to avoid it freezing in winter. There is a risk that should the gutter downpipe get blocked, water will back up into the boiler. Where is the boiler, anywhere near the kitchen sink?
@Lucy122 At what height does the condensate pipe run into the down-pipe??? Is this down-pipe likely / subject to getting blocked??? When you say "change the gutter pipes", is this exactly what was said??? And if so, did the person say to change them to what??? If it is not at risk of getting blocked or freezing up then there shouldn't be an issue. Could get another opinion from someone that can see it, or post a pic........
How does the gutter down pipe go into the ground/drain? If its an open drain, then the condensate pipe can be rerouted to simply run parallel with the downpipe to the drain and discharge there.
It doesn’t go into a drain it goes into a soakaway in the garden He just said that they put some sort of overflow gutter pipe in so if there is any block and back flow it doesn’t go into the boiler It’s never frozen or backed up before Sometimes water comes out round the edge of it as it isn’t sealed but I just guessed that was where rain was coming down the downpipe
I've seen the amount of water that comes down a down-pipe ........ assuming this is off of the house roof ?, it can be a hell of a lot. How big is the soak-away and how far from the house ??? @Lucy122 try reducing the picture sizing and quality using VGA in your phone's camera settings. Might be an easy solution.
Yeh it’s off the roof I’m not sure how far away or how big it is how would I know? Speak to the person that dug it? I have tried to change camera settings and still says it’s too big lol
I do believe that bit of condensate pipe should be insulated ......... ideally, at least. Ideally installed at a steeper angle too IMO ........ However, I wouldn't worry about my last comment, just put some insulation on the white pipe. And sleep better knowing it has less chance of freezing up ..........
This is a real risk for which I attended yesterday where the drain blocks with moss from the roof it rains hard backs up through the condense fills the heat exchanger blows the fan and fills the gas valve full of water. You require an external air break between the guttering downpipe and condense pipework
I’m not a qualified boiler engineer, but I can’t see why installing a ‘tundish’ on the condensate pipe before it exits the wall wouldn’t be an effective solution. Parts would be less than £15 and only take 20mins to fit.
Do you think not much chance of it going back in to the boiler? I will get some insulation to make sure it doesn’t freeze
I’m not even sure what that is? But will look in to it! Obviously I don’t want an expensive boiler break so anything I can do without paying someone stupid money that I don’t have is good
It’s just a little open funnel that’s installed in middle of the plastic pipe as it runs vertically.. will stop water back flowing into boiler. Normally they are used as a way of visually seeing if water is suddenly going down an overflow pipe..