Remedial action - who to ask?

bouicca21

The home buyers on my new flat (woo hoo, it really is mine at last) flagged up two issues

1. "the condensate drain is not properly installed. Condensing
boilers discharge a steady trickle of water as well as the usual combustion gases. This is through the plastic condensate pipe. Although this water is not hot or dangerous, it should be taken to an appropriate drainage point. It currently drains water externally onto the ground and the external section of the pipe is not insulated, which could allow water in the pipe to freeze and cause a blockage, this in turn potentially causing an automatic boiler shutdown. You should ask an appropriately qualified technician (Gas Safe registered) to rectify these issues."

2. a redundant asbestos boiler flue.

Who do I get to take care of these? Do I need a heating engineer for the condensate drain? Or anyone gas certified?

Removal of boiler flue (which is in good nick but not well anchored to the wall) - does it need a proper asbestos removal firm? Once removed there will be a hole that needs making good, so presumably should be done with a matching brick. Should I ask the management company about this?

bouicca21

Just bumping this in case someone has the right kind of knowledge.

smifffy1989

1. Plumber can do this, although it is only an issue if it gets cold and the water coming out freezes! Alternatively purchase some pipe lagging (the grey foam stuff) and lag it yourself for less than £5!

2. Provided you are not breaking up the flue the asbestos is stable. If it worries you then have it taken away otherwise it can be left.
The management company probably would want the brick put back to be matching, they may know what make the bricks are.

bouicca21

Thank you Smiffy. I'll get the manual out and see it I can work out where this condensate drain actually is. (You will be able to tell from this just what a numpty I am about anything involving pipes and boilers - and pretty much all DIY, come to think of it.)

jellie

smifffy1989 wrote: »

1. Plumber can do this, although it is only an issue if it gets cold and the water coming out freezes! Alternatively purchase some pipe lagging (the grey foam stuff) and lag it yourself for less than £5!

I thought condensate had to be discharged into a foul water drain?