Gas Piping in Ceiling Void

[ConcernedResident]

Hello,

We've been informed by our building factors that gas pipes under our floor have been fitted incorrectly. They have informed us the 22mm copper pipes have been fitted without supports or coating and are resting on concrete, posing a corrosion risk. This work was done approximately 8-10 years ago when the building was being constructed.

We have been seeking quotes to carry out the necessary repairs and received a lot of conflicted information/advice. One solution that has been proposed is to take the gas pipes (using gastite or tracpipe) into the ceiling void and run it through that to the boiler. This would be run through a duct according to one engineer, quoting regulation BS6891:2015, 8.16. From what I understand, ventilation is the issue with this solution. Can anyone tell me, what ventilation is required in this solution?

To clarify, the ceiling is plasterboard with downlighters in it. We have inspection hatches installed for flue inspection. There is a void above the ceiling plasterboard of around 18-24inches.

 

[picasso]

Why do they have to relocate the pipes if the problem is the pipes touching the concrete ? I would have thought that putting supports/pipe clips would sort it out.

 

[ConcernedResident]

Why do they have to relocate the pipes if the problem is the pipes touching the concrete ? I would have thought that putting supports/pipe clips would sort it out.

That is an option but requires taking up a whole load of laminate flooring which likely will need replacing. The option through the ceiling may be cheaper given all the joinery work and replacement of flooring.

Edit: Forgot to say in original post, the gas pipe sizing has been deemed 'not to current standards' and has been recommended to be changed to 28mm piping.

 

[Madrab]

That is an option but requires taking up a whole load of laminate flooring which likely will need replacing. The option through the ceiling may be cheaper given all the joinery work and replacement of flooring.

have you seen the price of tracpipe recently, that then added to the cost of installation?

If it's click lock then a good joiner should be able to lift and refit laminate without damage.

Ventilation required is ideally to 'open air' - see Gas Regs - reg.19, that should all be identified and sorted out by the installer though.

 

[ConcernedResident]

have you seen the price of tracpipe recently, that then added to the cost of installation?

If it's click lock then a good joiner should be able to lift and refit laminate without damage.

Ventilation required is ideally to 'open air' - see Gas Regs - reg.19, that should all be identified and sorted out by the installer though.

Do you know anything about gastite, the product one engineer has suggested using? His quote feels low (Around £700 total) for the work and materials to go through the ceiling. The pipework needs to travel 10-12metres total.

 

[hard-work]

**********deleted
Mod

 

[Agile]

Be aware that Hard-Work is NOT Gas Safe registered and so should not be giving advice on the installation of gas pipes!

 

[Hot&Cold]

Hello,

We've been informed by our building factors that gas pipes under our floor have been fitted incorrectly. They have informed us the 22mm copper pipes have been fitted without supports or coating and are resting on concrete, posing a corrosion risk. This work was done approximately 8-10 years ago when the building was being constructed.

options.

1,get your cheque book out and pay.
2,get two more opinions in the form of £ quotes.
3,pursue the developer,this is the best option
4,get an independent report from a gas consultant (corgi)

Very easy to sort out although not quick.

 

[ConcernedResident]

Unfortunately for us, the developer went into administration and was liquidated. Residents of our development are looking into pursuing the original installers but they don't appear to trade any more and finding out if they trade under a different name is proving difficult.

We've had 3 quotes of £700 (through ceiling), £2000 and £3000 (both under the floor). We're waiting on a final quote to make a decision.

 

[Hot&Cold]

Has the gas supply been disconnected to the flats ?

 

[ConcernedResident]

Has the gas supply been disconnected to the flats ?

Nope. We've stated that if this issue is as big of a risk as our factors are suggesting then it should be then it the whole building should have gas turned off but our factors are next to useless to be honest. They've said the piping is internal to each flat so it's our problem, not theirs. Needless to say this is causing issues with the whole buildings insurance company. It's got to the point that one resident has raised this with local MP who is investigating. To me, it seems like the council should be stepping in and enforcing the gas is turned off at a minimum.

This all being said, the original engineer who said this is a problem and needs rectifying is not very good. All 3 engineers who we've had in to quote have said they don't believe it is as big of an issue as the original engineer is making it out to be.

 

[Hot&Cold]

Who is the owner of the block ?

 

[ConcernedResident]

Who is the owner of the block ?

Each flat is owned by an individual (52 flats total across 3 stairs) and the building is managed by a factoring company. I don't believe any one company 'owns' the building. This is in Scotland.

 

[bernardgreen]

Residents of our development are looking into pursuing the original installers but they don't appear to trade any more and finding out if they trade under a different name is proving difficult.

Put the name of the company in the search box here https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/

Then when ( if ) it is listed click the "people" tab and it will give a list of directors and officials. Click on their names and it will list any companies they are involved in

 

[Ian H]

But then someone else could cut into it thinking it's overflow.

I cut into a Lead gas pipe last week thinking it was water