News | Published on 6th Jan 2021

HHIC update condensate pipe guidance following weather warning

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) are today, 6th January 2021, issuing their updated ‘installer guide to condensate discharge pipe installation’. 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 almost anywhere across the UK’.

In addition, HHIC are also reissuing their 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, 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;

  1. Familiarise themselves with both the engineer and consumer guide.
  2. Ensure that all new boiler installations conform to the appliance manufacturers’ installation instructions, and BS 6798 where appropriate with the free to download HHIC guidance providing a useful summary of generally agreed industry best practice.
  3. Ensure that any remedial or servicing work includes a condensate discharge pipe ‘check’. With any remedial action required explained to homeowners who have a ‘not to current standards or manufacturers instructions’ installation.

*It is important to note that manufacturers’ instructions take precedence over a standard and should be adhered to, helping ensure correct appliance operation, and validity of any warranty.

You can find the Installer guide here

And Consumer guide here.

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