Valant Boiler - Overflow? Pictures

Canucklehead · 11 July 2011 at 8:54AM

T_T wrote: »

Would be good to know what the ID, internal diameter, is to judge that.

O/flow or condensate pipe is typically between 19mm and 21.5mm OD so it would need to be a pretty hefty outer wall to end up with condensate pipe that gives an overall diameter of an inch and a quarter like the OP says. It is certainly plausible that the installer used 32mm waste pipe in place of O/flow. The comments about the risk of freezing are fairly accurate and it wouldn't be the first time.

More than plausible...my OH often uses Solvent Weld 32mm Waste Pipe when applicable i.e. depends on site/appliance requirements.

Canucklehead

T_T_2 · 11 July 2011 at 9:18AM

Canucklehead wrote: »

More than plausible...my OH often uses Solvent Weld 32mm Waste Pipe when applicable i.e. depends on site/appliance requirements.

Canucklehead

Totally acceptable to use solvent weld waste pipe. Push fit waste pipe on the other hand is not recommended. The condensate that comes from a boiler is highly acidic and will eat through the seal on push fit fittings.

muskoka · 11 July 2011 at 5:58PM

Managed to get a couple of pics today. This pipe seems to be an incredibly long extended condense pipe.....Also, ten ton of pipework coming to & from the boiler .....confused....

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/9/dscn0871eb.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/813/dscn0868q.jpg/

Hopefully images work. Do I really need this mega-long condense pipe? bearing in mind its a bit of a tripping hazard on the steps, though that is the nearest drain.....:eek:

garethgas · 11 July 2011 at 6:24PM

Ah...the joys of a combi boiler!
Unfortunarely, yes you do need that pipe. I must admit though, I wouldn't be happy with it running across those steps. Someone's bound to kick/step on it.
Also, if you didn't realise that combi's have a lot of pipework going to/from them, then that can be a bit of a suprise to some.
I think the best thing is to just box the whole lot in making sure it's easily accessible for maintenance.

T_T_2 · 11 July 2011 at 6:58PM

Not sure why the installer didn't just run the pipe into a soakaway rather than trail it all the way across your doorway. The installation looked reasonable tidy up until that point.

gas4you · 11 July 2011 at 7:23PM

I agree with above, a purpose built soakaway would have been a lot better

muskoka · 11 July 2011 at 7:28PM

Thanks very much for that chaps. Ok, next question - could you advise me how to dig/build a soakaway & maybe I'll do that myself...:j and how big, etc the soakaway would have to be...

Guess the plumber chap dosent' do soakaways - understandable, though wish he'd advised me. Thanks

vikingaero · 11 July 2011 at 7:36PM

As others have said it's the condensate drain. Most Valliant boilers tend to flush the condensate like a toilet rather than trickle it out on Worcester Boschs. The trickling of the condensate in the thin pipe causes the ice to slowly build up.

roger196 · 11 July 2011 at 7:36PM

The horizontal section will allow a gradual build up of frozen condensate until the pipe is blocked. The larger diameter pipe only makes the process longer to happen. Note that the pipe should be insulated. Try to find a better route(may need a condensate pump) or to a soakaway. Remember the last winter was minus ten centigrade for over a week depending on where you live.