Condensate soakaway

I can see no sensible way of routing a gravity condensate drain from our proposed boiler location into an existing drain. (The location would be in a 'boiler cupboard' where the existing floor standing boiler would be replaced by a wall mounted unit.) Whichever route would cut across a doorway.

There appear to be two options a) a soakaway and b) a condensate pump.

For us, even routing pumped condensate would be awkward. So I am taken with the idea of a soakaway. I have looked up the basic details on the ODPM site and we appear fine. But in newsgroup archives I noticed that the Environment Agency apparently have rules that inhibit use of such soakaways in some places. Does anyone have more information on this issue? Are there any general guidelines as to the areas in which they are or are not acceptable? (Our soil is a heavy clay which is one concern.) Do we have to do anything special to gain approval?

I imagine that I should ring building control but was hoping to make at least outline plans over the weekend.

Reply to
Rod
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There don't appear to be hard and fast rules but we got a flat 'no' and have had to use a non-condensing boiler as a result.

Reply to
Mike

Because of the drain or the plume? The only real point to have non-condensers in flats is the plume.

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Reply to
Doctor Evil

The drain. If you recall discussions at the time my only alternative was a condensate pump into barrels but nobody would quote for removing what is classed as hazardous waste.

Reply to
Mike

"Mike" wrote in news:d3uha8$fun$ snipped-for-privacy@newsg3.svr.pol.co.uk:

Well we are luckier. Rang building control - they said no issue at all but check with Environment Agency. Tried that and, after being misdirected and dropped, got through to someone who would ring back. Amazingly, they did. No issue again - so I asked for a letter confirming that.

I did point out to them that the lack of any mention of condensate drainage on their website was perhaps a little less than helpful.

Reply to
Rod

Our stream feeds into a major local reservoir so the EA were a bit pickier with us. That said our septic tank feeds there anyway. I'm sure they'll insist on a Klargister once it's reached the end of its life.

Reply to
Mike

"Mike" wrote in news:d41928$hin$ snipped-for-privacy@newsg3.svr.pol.co.uk:

I did ask what grounds (ha!) they might refuse on. Near a bore hole or on an aquifer seeemed to be the only two answers. I guess heavy clay that won't drain is not their problem - hope it isn't ours.

Reply to
Rod

But what's the problem with condensate? Slightly acidic maybe but hardly a major pollutant surely??

David

Reply to
Lobster

You know that. I know that ! But do you think any EA oik is going to stick his neck out and sign off you doing so ?

Sir Humphrey (Yes Minister) to Bernard - "nobody ever got fired for saying no"

Reply to
Mike

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