Condensate into downpipe

[Tap dancer]

I read on here some time ago that the condensate drain is not supposed to be plumbed into the downpipe from house guttering.

But looking around where I live, it is easy to see where old boilers have been replaced by condensing ones because they all have white plastic pipes connecting into their downpipes.

So is this OK or not? And if not, WHERE is it supposed to go?

 

[wheeto]

This has been done to death already!

Neutralized condensate can be discharged more or less anywhere. Straight out of the boiler it will damage iron and concrete pipes.

 

[Tap dancer]

So how is it neutralised, is this an extra bit of equipment connected to the boiler?

 

[wheeto]

So how is it neutralised, is this an extra bit of equipment connected to the boiler?

Yes, "Condensafe" is one brand. They also need regular topping up as the reagent is consumed.

 

[Tap dancer]

I have never heard of a neutraliser before, and I doubt whether any of my neighbours have one (I know definitely that one hasn't) and we have separate foul and surface drains.

No doubt this law is being constantly ignored and broken, just as filling loops are always left permanently connected.

 

[julesverne]

not aware of any reg that requires condensate to neutalized unless going into a soak away then it should have limestone chips in soakaway and be 500mm from foundations . condensate should only be discharged into an outside drain if there isnt a means discharging condensate internally eg teeing into a waste pipe from a sink or washbasin due to the risk of freezing if terminated outside and also should be at least 32mm but better if 40mm if outside

 

[Masood]

not aware of any reg that requires condensate to neutalized unless going into a soak away then it should have limestone chips in soakaway and be 500mm from foundations . condensate should only be discharged into an outside drain if there isnt a means discharging condensate internally eg teeing into a waste pipe from a sink or washbasin due to the risk of freezing if terminated outside and also should be at least 32mm but better if 40mm if outside

Ditto. Not saying that the requirement doesn't exist, but that I haven't seen it in MI's. Also, my understanding is that external condense pipe runs need to be 32mm OR 20mm, insulated with waterproof lagging...

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

The down pipe must be connected to the main sewer, not its own soakaway

 

[AWheating]

its fine to install to a rain water pipe if its connected to the correct drain system. It requires an air gap also.

32mm should really be used outside taken through to inside then reduced down, if it has a small fall i would also lagg the 32mm.

 

[Roger Welton]

Out opf interest has any one used tany of these trace heating or similar systems on external condensate lines?

Frost Sentry :: The Solution to Frozen Condensate Pipes :: Teddington Appliance Controls

http://www.draytoncontrols.co.uk/installerzone/installationvideos/condensatefreeflo/

The drayton one looks like a good idea.

 

[kozak1968]

Condense should be discharged into foul drain and not surface water drain. If a combined drainage system is in place then you can put it into the rain water. You would need to check with the local authority to see what system is place. In London you see it alot.