The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) has updated its installer guidance for condensate discharge pipes. This comes following a warning from the Met Office of ice warnings with the 'Beast from the East 2.0' to hit in days, bringing an enhanced risk of snow and widespread frost across the UK.
In addition, the HHIC is also reissuing its customer information booklet, which can be used by the engineer to explain the risks and the remedial action required for installations which are at risk, and also what action customers can take should their condensate pipe freeze.
Stewart Clements, Director at the HHIC, said: “We are acutely aware that there are a significant proportion of installations that are not installed to current standards and manufacturer’s instructions. For example, the opportunity to connect to internal drain points such as a soil stack or sink waste has not been taken. Condensate discharge pipes should be connected to an internal 'gravity discharge point'.
“Where this is not possible, the HHIC guide details what action should be taken, such as external pipe insulation”
“In extreme weather conditions, external pipework carrying water is at risk of freezing, particularly when there is a high wind chill factor.
"As a result, HHIC has updated current industry guidance which assists engineers with both installation and assessment of current condensate discharge pipes, which they can and should review during any visit to the appliance such as a service or repair.
“In addition to this guidance all other technical requirements for condensate discharge installation given in the first instance the appliance manufacturers’ installation instructions or if referred to by the appliance manufacturers; British Standard BS 6798:2014, should still be followed.
“We urge engineers to:
You can find the installer guide here and consumer guide here.
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