Vaillant boiler piped incorrectly?

[chainsaw_masochist]

A friend’s washing-machine has recently been responsible for a small leak due to a loose hose connection with the service valve. As it is a fitted (built-in) unit it was quite difficult to move, but eventually we were able to inspect the damp area. In addition to this problem (now resolved) there is also another, more serious, matter which is bemusing me.

Above the washing-machine and worksurface is the combi-boiler, a Vaillant EcoTech, the CH having been switched on very low. All the pipes to the boiler run down the wall behind the washing machine. It was whilst we had the washing-machine out that we noticed that some water was spewed out downwards into the space usually occupied by the washing machine. I peered up into the boiler and could see that this water was coming from the right-hand side of the pipes (when looking at the front of the boiler). I noticed that there was no condensation pipe yet this boiler is only around two years old. (I should mention that my friend has only occupied the flat for less than a year).

I then removed the boxed-in area that covers the pipes above the worksurface to take a closer look. There is an unmistakable white plastic outlet on the right-hand side of the pipes to which there is no connected pipe. Furthermore, there is no sign of any pipe having come away and dropping down behind where the washing machine is positioned.

Looking at the top surface of the washing-machine, a distinct staining is visible so presumably this water has been getting dumped like this regularly. It is also pretty odd that there have been no complaints from the downstairs flat.

Anyone have an ideas on this issue? Thanks for any advice.

 

[ironman1]

I take it the washing machine waste is pretty close to boiler?.............i suspect the condense waste outlet can be configured to run into this so no big deal...................as for the boiler being installed without connecting condense waste , well. ................has the PRV been run to outside?

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Thanks, irn1. Well the washing-machine waste connects to the sink waste and requires a waste extension hose. I did not actually check the specific connection here as the WM waste was not an issue. But no, there is not a standpipe for the WM hereabouts, to which I understand the condensate could be piped. To do what you suggest will require running additional waste pipe to the WM from the sink outlet. This might well be the simplest option, though.

I wonder if the boiler was installed correctly in the first place and then, when matey moved in, the kitchen was refitted with somebody forgetting, or perhaps not understanding, that provision needed to be made for condensation pipe.

Is there a special type of coupler that I will require to join the condensation outlet to the over flow pipe?

 

[mogget]

If the condensate pipe isn't connected, I would be concerned that there may be no pressure relief pipe either. This would be a 15mm pipe from the boiler pressure relief valve, terminating outside the property.

 

[Agile]

I have been to two newly installed boilers where the condensate pipe was still tucked up the back in the transit position.

They had been fitted by unregistered East Europeans!

Tony

 

[Gasman77]

How did you know that?

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Mogget: The pressure relief overflow pipe is in place and is elbowed out through the (exterior) wall.

Agile: Unable to find any trace of a discarded condensation pipe under any of the units. Sorry, unable to confirm nationality of the parties in question.

Again please, gents, is there a special type of coupler that I will require to join the condensation outlet to the over flow pipe?

 

[Beerlover]

Overflow pipe will push over the spigot on the syphon, however I would recommend an overflow coupling is used. It will be loose but the condense pipe should be properly clipped to support its own weight.

This method provides an air gap and will protect the boiler if the condense gets blocked or frozen. Changed too many fans this winter.

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Thanks for the tip, Beerlover.

 

[Agile]

The Vaillant spligot is a little too small to give a tight fit by just pushing the convoluted plastic pipe over.

A better and cheaper solution is to use rigid pushfit overflow waste pipe if there is an easy route available.

Tony

 

[DP]

The Vaillant spligot is a little too small to give a tight fit by just pushing the convoluted plastic pipe over.

Tony, where does the convoluted pipe come in. Have yet to see such a pipe supplied with the Ecotec range.

 

[Agile]

Thats a point Danny, most other makers supply one but now you question it I agree that I dont think that Vaillant do.

I went to a Vaillant 937 three weeks ago with a leaking convoluted pipe which had just pulled off as it was a loose fit ( and had been cut a little short ).

Even more reason the OP's nupty installer did not connect the condensate pipe if it was not supplied with the boiler!

Tony

 

[ironman1]

The Vaillant spligot is a little too small to give a tight fit by just pushing the convoluted plastic pipe over.

Tony, where does the convoluted pipe come in. Have yet to see such a pipe supplied with the Ecotec range.

As you say , Vaillant have never supplied anything regards condense fittings/ pipe with their boilers........................too many times you see these convolute pipes running through the wall to outside , bad practice.