Soakaway for new Condensate Boiler.

[Phil473]

We will be replacing our old Worcester 28CDI, for a Worcester 4000 shortly.

Have been trying to workout what would be the best way to deal with the condensate waste.
The installer has given a couple of options. The boiler is in the kitchen, but the kitchen drain is outside of another wall. So could have a pump, and then connect a condense pipe to the drain that way.

However, the installer has recommnded that the pumps are a little noisy, and I've read that its better for the boiler to not have a pump.

So a soakaway could be the way to go. However, we're on clay and I'm concerned with having a soakaway in proximity to the foundation. The installer has reassured me that there would only be small amount of water and it shouldn't be an issue.

Came across this on Boiler Central;
"First and foremost, a soakaway shouldn’t be used in soil with poor drainage as it will do more harm than good." https://www.boilercentral.com/boiler-advice/boiler-condensate-pipe/

Also, with regards to soakaway vs pump, '...benefit of using a soakaway is reducing acidic residue within the system. Thereby extending the boiler’s lifespan...'

So really not sure how to proceed. Any advice, very welcome.

 

[kidgreen61]

I'd love to know why a pump "could be bad for the boiler"
The pump will only run when the reservoir is full, it takes 10 seconds or so to empty.
Best if the soakaway is installed in free draining soil for obv reasons.

 

[Phil473]

I'd love to know why a pump "could be bad for the boiler"

"Another benefit of using a soakaway is reducing acidic residue within the system. Thereby extending the boiler’s lifespan and ensuring that the central heating system works well throughout."

Boiler Condensate Pipe: What is a boiler condensate pipe?

Learn about the importance of your boiler condensate pipe and how to maintain it. Contact Boiler Central for all your heating needs and services.

www.boilercentral.com

 

[Elsa TLC]

I'd love to know why a pump "could be bad for the boiler"
The pump will only run when the reservoir is full, it takes 10 seconds or so to empty.
Best if the soakaway is installed in free draining soil for obv reasons.

It won't harm the boiler but
the boiler is only as good as the pump.
If the pump cronks out then the boiler don't work.

Don't understand why installers fit pumps when there are other options.

Never fitted one and never will unless I'm feeling really lazy.

 

[Elsa TLC]

I run a 2inch pipe to a soak-away or any external runs. The beast from the best taught me that.

 

[gas112]

"Another benefit of using a soakaway is reducing acidic residue within the system. Thereby extending the boiler’s lifespan and ensuring that the central heating system works well throughout."

Boiler Condensate Pipe: What is a boiler condensate pipe?

Learn about the importance of your boiler condensate pipe and how to maintain it. Contact Boiler Central for all your heating needs and services.

www.boilercentral.com

Absolute nonsense a soakaway does not reduce acidic residue in any way whatsoever and has no effect on the system /boiler

his disadvantages of soakaways are absolute nonsense as well i would love to see how leaves would block a boiler soakaway

 

[hllns]

However, the installer has recommnded that the pumps are a little noisy, and I've read that its better for the boiler to not have a pump.

The condensate pumps on our work aircon units make almost no noise, I'd be amazed if you could hear it above the normal whirrs and other noise you get from a boiler, the pump would only have to run if the boiler is going and discharging condensate.

So a soakaway could be the way to go. However, we're on clay and I'm concerned with having a soakaway in proximity to the foundation. The installer has reassured me that there would only be small amount of water and it shouldn't be an issue.

Came across this on Boiler Central;
"First and foremost, a soakaway shouldn’t be used in soil with poor drainage as it will do more harm than good." https://www.boilercentral.com/boiler-advice/boiler-condensate-pipe/

That webpage seems to mix up a soakaway for general drainage with one just put in for a boiler condensate, the former has to handle quite a bit more water than the latter! I had one put in just for a boiler condensate pipe and it's absolutely fine with no issues that I've seen, soakaway crate and limestone/marble chips, the chips neutralise the acidity so it's neutral water after that.

 

[JohnD]

The boiler is in the kitchen

And the kitchen has a sink, a waste pipe and very likely a plumbing duct.

It is possible to run pipes behind kitchen cabinets

In my case, when I got a new boiler, I purposely had it installed next to the plumbing. Obviously it never freezes and needs no chips.

The effort of running an internal pipe will be long forgotten when an external drain becomes an unsightly nuisance.

 

[Phil473]

Thanks for the replies.

It won't harm the boiler but
the boiler is only as good as the pump.
If the pump cronks out then the boiler don't work.

Don't understand why installers fit pumps when there are other options.

Never fitted one and never will unless I'm feeling really lazy.

Yes, the installer actually recomended not having a pump, as it is another componenet that the system is reliant on.

 

[Phil473]

Absolute nonsense a soakaway does not reduce acidic residue in any way whatsoever and has no effect on the system /boiler

his disadvantages of soakaways are absolute nonsense as well i would love to see how leaves would block a boiler soakaway

My understanding is that its the limestone that reduces the acidic content, of the residue?

 

[Phil473]

The condensate pumps on our work aircon units make almost no noise, I'd be amazed if you could hear it above the normal whirrs and other noise you get from a boiler, the pump would only have to run if the boiler is going and discharging condensate.


That webpage seems to mix up a soakaway for general drainage with one just put in for a boiler condensate, the former has to handle quite a bit more water than the latter! I had one put in just for a boiler condensate pipe and it's absolutely fine with no issues that I've seen, soakaway crate and limestone/marble chips, the chips neutralise the acidity so it's neutral water after that.

Good point re the noise.

Not saying the link is on point, the same company are skipping the step or a survey before installation. I was going to go with Boxt; I asked a sales manager why the price is lower than a general installer. She said that it was due to them buying boilers wholesale and in quantity, and also skipping pre site surveys.

I'm going with a local installer, as I came to the conclusion that a pre site survey is best for my peace of mind. Perhaps I'm wrong, but this is a major gas installation and I'd rather go with what I know.

One thing the article says which I'm considering; soakaways are best not installed where there is poor soild drainage. As mentioned, we are on clay and have to consider this.

Asked the local installer, he says that he hasn't heard of any issues relating to soakaways contributing towards rising damp/subsidence, but he really doesn't know.

Perhpas if I really do want complete peace of mind that there are no issues caused by a soakaway, I'm going to have to either move the boiler, or have a pump installed.

 

[denso13]

My undesratnding is that its the limestone that reduces the acidic content, of the residue?

Same ph as the likes of orange and tomato juice, nothing to be concerned about.

 

[Phil473]

Same ph as the likes of orange and tomato juice, nothing to be concerned about.

Its more the water in the soakaway causing an issue with the property, that's my concern.

 

[Madrab]

Its more the water in the soakaway causing an issue with the property, that's my concern.

The limestone chips that should be incorporated into the soakaway will neutralise the slightly acidic condensate yes - it can, over a long time, attack cement based mortars etc. also why the soakaway should be a min of 500mm away from the properties foundations etc.

 

[JohnD]

I used to have a neighbour whose flue dripped on his paving.

The cement in the paving slab underneath was eaten away by the acid condensate leaving a crater with just grit and stones remaining.

That was not even his condensate pipe.