Installer Guide:

Condensate discharge
pipe installation
October 2018 Issue 1.0

Condensing Boiler
Industry guidance for installers - endorsed by
HHIC members
In April 2005 revisions to the Building Regulations came into force, stat-
ing that all replacement gas or oil boilers must be a condensing type. The
introduction of condensing boilers has been fundamental in reducing the
UK’s carbon emissions.
In 2010 and again in 2018 the UK experienced prolonged spells of sub-zero
temperatures down to minus 20 centigrade and below in many areas. This
resulted in a significant increase in the number of calls to boiler
manufacturers and heating engineers from householders with condensing (high
efficiency) boilers where the condensate discharge pipe had frozen and become
blocked with ice causing the boiler to shut down. In the vast majority of cases
such problems occur where the condensate discharge pipe is located
externally to the building for some part or all of its length.

British Standards, Building Regulations and industry guidance currently advise on

how condensate discharge pipes should, be run either internally or externally, or
a combination of both. This document gives guidance on how to install the pipes
in order to reduce the possibility of freezing.

However, in certain circumstances this guidance may not be sufficient to

prevent freezing in extreme conditions with widespread and prolonged
sub-zero temperatures.

With the UK weather patterns showing more “extremes” in future due to the
effects of global climate change, the following guidance updates previous
recommendations on condensate discharge pipe installation. In addition to this
guidance all other technical requirements for condensate discharge installation
given in British Standard BS 6798:2014, or in boiler manufacturers’ installation
instructions should still be followed.

****Boiler Manufacturer’s Warranty Information

It should be noted that where the manufacturer’s instructions have

not been followed then the boiler warranty may not be valid.

Note - the Benchmark Commissioning checklist

supplied with the boiler and detailed in the manufacturer’s
instructions requires the heating engineer to confirm that
the condensate drain has been fitted correctly.
 Summary of main requirements

Internal Condensate Pipe Discharge Connection

Where an installer is fitting a new or replacement boiler, the condensate

discharge pipe should be connected to an internal “gravity discharge point”
such as an internal soil stack (preferred method), internal kitchen or
bathroom waste pipe such as sink, basin, bath or shower waste. External pipes
from sink wastes or washing machine outlets should be a minimum of 30mm
internal diameter, insulated with waterproof UV resistant material, terminated
below the grid but above the water line and a suitable drain/leaf guard fitted.
The end of the waste pipe should be cut at 45 degrees where it terminates
into the grid to help reduce the potential for the pipe to freeze.

Condensate Pumps

Where it is not possible to connect the boiler condensate discharge pipe to an

internal “gravity discharge point” then the installer should use a condensate
pump connected to a suitable internal connection point such as an internal
soil stack (preferred method), internal kitchen or bathroom waste pipe such as
a sink, basin, bath or shower waste.

Existing Installations

When servicing or repairing a boiler the heating engineer should check any
boiler installations especially those that have external condensate drains to
see if they can be terminated internally or upgraded to the latest guidance.
The responsible person (home owner) should be advised and it is
recommended that the installer completes the responsible persons frozen
condensate information leaflet as a suitable means for advising the work that
is required. See annex A

This guidance should be followed where work is carried out to “upgrade” the
condensate discharge system to reduce the risk of freezing in extreme
conditions and it is recommended that the condensate pipe is identified with a
suitable label or marking even if the responsible person does not go ahead with
the upgrade so as to allow easier identification in the future.
Manufacturers Instructions

Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed for the correct connection of the

condensate discharge pipe from the boiler as this may vary due to the design
of the boiler. For example a visible air break and trap is not required if there is a
trap with a minimum condensate seal of 75 mm incorporated into the boiler.

Internal Pipe Run In Unheated Spaces

Condensate discharge pipes that are routed in an unheated space such as a loft
or garage should be insulated to prevent freezing.

Internal Condensate Pipe Discharge Termination

Internal condensate discharge pipework must be a minimum of 19mm ID

(typically 22mm OD) plastic pipe or as per manufacturer’s instructions and this
should “fall” a minimum of 45mm per metre away from the boiler, taking the
shortest practicable route to the termination point.
(45mm as per BS6798, 52mm per metre as per industry practice is specified in the following
diagrams)

To minimise the risk of freezing during prolonged sub-zero conditions, an

internal “gravity discharge point” such as an internal soil stack (preferred
method), internal kitchen, utility room or bathroom waste pipe e.g. from a sink,
basin, bath or shower should be adopted, where possible.

Note - A suitable permanent connection to the foul waste pipe should be used.
Figures 1, 2(a), 2(b) show appropriate connection methods.

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
Figure 1 – Connection of condensate discharge pipe to internal soil and vent stack.
Note – Check manufacturer’s instructions to see if an air break is required.

8
2 5

7
3

4
6

Key

1 Boiler
2 Visible air break
3 75 mm trap
4 Visible air break and trap not required if there is a trap with a minimum condensate seal
of 75 mm incorporated into the boiler
5 Soil and vent stack
6 Invert
7 450 mm minimum up to three storeys
8 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
Internal Condensate Pipe Discharge Termination

Figure 2(a) – Connection of a condensate discharge pipe downstream of a sink, basin, bath or
shower waste trap.
Note – Check manufacturer’s instructions to see if an air break is required.

8
2
7
11
12
5
4 3

9 10
6
Key
1 Boiler
2 Visible air break
3 75 mm trap
4 Visible air break and trap not required if there is a trap with a minimum condensate seal
of 75 mm incorporated into the boiler. In this case the 100 mm is measured to the trap
in the boiler.
5 Sink, basin, bath or shower
6 Open end of condensate discharge pipe direct into gully 25 mm min below grating but
above water level; end cut at 45 °
Note – the maximum external condensate discharge length is 3 metres
7 Sink lip
8 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm
9 Pipe size transition
10 Minimum internal diameter 30 mm
11 Water/weather proof insulation
12 Drain cover/leaf guard

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
 Internal Condensate Pipe Discharge Termination

Figure 2(b) – Connection of a condensate discharge pipe upstream of a sink, basin, bath or
shower waste trap

2
6 8
4 9
10

3
7

Key
1 Boiler
2 Visible air break at plug hole – alternative connection can be below sink trap
3 75 mm sink, basin, bath or shower waste trap
4 Sink, basin, bath or shower with integral overflow
5 Open end of condensate discharge pipe direct into gully 25 mm min below grating but
above water level; end cut at 45 °
Note – the maximum external condensate discharge length is 3 metres
6 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm
7 Pipe size transition
8 Minimum internal diameter 30 mm
9 Water/weather proof insulation
10 Fit drain cover/leaf guard

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
Internal Condensate Pipe Discharge Termination

The possibility of waste pipes freezing downstream of the connection point

should be considered when determining a suitable connection point - e.g. a
slightly longer pipe run to an internal soil stack may be preferable to a shorter
run connecting into a kitchen waste pipe discharging directly through the wall to
an external drain.

Note - Where “gravity discharge” to an internal termination is not physically

possible (e.g. the discharge point is above the appliance location, or access is
obstructed by a doorway), or where very long internal pipe runs would be
required to reach a suitable discharge point, then a condensate pump should be
used.

External waste pipes from kitchens, utility rooms or bathrooms such as sink,
basin, and bath or shower waste outlets should be insulated with waterproof UV
resistant, class 0 material, terminated below the grid but above the water line
and a drain/leaf guard fitted. The waste pipe should be cut at 45 degrees where
it terminates into the grid. (See insulation section for guidance on suitable
materials).

Condensate Pumps

Use of a Condensate Pump to an Internal Termination

Condensate can be removed using a proprietary condensate pump, of a
specification recommended by the boiler or pump manufacturer. In order to
minimise the risk of freezing during prolonged sub-zero spells, one of the
following methods internal to the property for terminating the boiler condensate
pump to a foul water discharge point should be adopted such as an internal soil
stack (preferred method), internal kitchen, utility room or bathroom waste pipe
such as sink, basin, and bath or shower waste. Figure 3 shows a typical
connection method.

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

Manufacturers
installing boiler Instructions
condensate must be referred
discharge pipes to when
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
Internal Condensate Pipe Discharge Termination

Figure 3 – Connection of a condensate pump - typical method (NB manufacturer’s detailed

instructions should be followed).
Note – Any external pipe work should be insulated, pipe cut at 45 degrees and a drain/ leaf
guard fitted.

3 Key
1 Condensate discharge from boiler
4 2 Condensate pump
3 Visible air break at plug hole
4 Sink or basin with integrated overflow
1 5 75mm sink waste trap

5
2

Key
1 Boiler
6 2 2 Visible air break at plug hole
4 3 75 mm sink, basin, bath or shower
8 9 waste trap
4 Sink, basin, bath or shower with
3 7 10 integral overflow
5 5 Open end of condensate discharge
pipe direct into gully 25 mm min below
grating but above water level; end cut
1 at 45 ° Note – the maximum external
condensate discharge length is 3 metres
6 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm
7 Pipe size transition
8 Minimum internal diameter 30 mm
9 Water/weather proof insulation
10 Fit drain cover/leaf guard

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

Manufacturers
installing boilerInstructions
condensatemust be referred
discharge to when
pipes
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

External Connections

Only fit an external boiler condensate drain connection if an internal gravity or

pumped connection is impractical to install.

The pipe work from the boiler should be of a minimum 19mm ID or as per
manufacturer’s instructions and the condensate discharge pipe shall be run in a
standard drainpipe material, e.g. poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC), un-plasticized poly
(vinyl chloride) (PVC-U), acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP)
or chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-C).

Note - Fixing centres for brackets should be a maximum of 300mm for flexible pipe and
500mm for solid pipe and manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.

The condensate pipe should be run internally as far as possible before going
externally and the pipe diameter should be increased to a minimum of 30mm
ID (typically 32mm OD) before it passes through the wall. The angle of the pipe
should slope downwards by at least 3 degrees as it passes through the wall to
assist in maintaining a good velocity as the condensate exits the building.

The external pipe run should be kept as short as possible to a maximum of 3

metres, taking the most direct and “most vertical” route to the discharge point,
with no horizontal sections in which condensate might collect.

Manufacturers
Manufacturers Instructions
Instructions must
must be be referred
referred to when
to when
installing
installing
Manufacturersboiler
boiler condensate
condensate
Instructions discharge
discharge
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installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

Figure 4 – Connection of condensate discharge pipe to external soil and vent stack

11
8 2 9
5

10 7

3
4

6
Key
1 Boiler
2 Visible air break
3 75 mm trap
4 Visible air break and trap not required if there is a trap with a minimum condensate seal
of 75mm incorporated into the boiler.
5 Soil and vent stack
6 Invert
7 450mm minimum upto three storeys
8 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm
9 Pipe size transition point
10 Minimum internal diameter 30mm
11 Water/weather proof insulation

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

Manufacturers
installing boilerInstructions
condensatemust be referred
discharge to when
pipes
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

Alternative Solutions
Cold weather protection methods approved or endorsed by boiler manufacturers
and/or service organisations may be adopted if these are considered suitable by
the parties involved. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer of these products
to ensure they have completed the necessary testing or calculations to ensure
the product offers suitable protection to prevent the condensate pipe from
freezing. The product manufacturer should provide information as to what level
of external temperature and for what time period the product can protect against
sub-zero temperatures, i.e. -15°C for 48 hours. BS6798 refers to devices that
pump the condensate produced by a condensing boiler to a fine misting nozzle
in the boiler flue terminal so that the condensate is discharged with the hot flue
gas. (BS6798 section 6.3.8 note 4). The boiler manufacturer’s instructions will
provide advice regarding fitting and siting of the flue terminal to ensure safe
disposal of the condensate.

Additional Measures

At least one of the following measures should be fitted in addition to the

measures detailed above for external condensate discharge pipes

• Insulate external pipe with a minimum thickness of insulation to be 19mm

“O” class PVC coated material.

• Fit trace heating – with insulation as recommended by manufacturer.

• Fit internal auxiliary(additional) high volume syphon unit

Auxiliary Syphon – Fitted Internally

Auxiliary siphons fitted inside the premises assist with the siting of the boiler
where an external condensate pipe must be fitted. The storage capacity of the
auxiliary siphon increases the volume of condensate discharge reducing the risk
of freezing. A further reduction in the potential for the pipe to freeze is achieved
when combined with the external insulation requirements.

Manufacturers
Manufacturers Instructions
Instructions must
must be be referred
referred to when
to when
Manufacturers
installing
installing boiler Instructions
boiler condensate
condensate must be referred
discharge
discharge to when
pipes
pipes
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

Electric Trace Heating

Trace heating with an external thermostat can be fitted to the external
condensate pipe to raise the temperature of the condensate pipe in freezing
conditions. Trace heating takes the form of an electrical heating element run in
physical contact along the length of the condensate pipe. The pipe is usually
covered with thermal insulation to retain heat losses from the pipe. Heat
generated by the element then maintains the temperature of the pipe. If such a
system is used then the installation instructions of the trace heating
manufacturer and any specific recommendations regarding pipe diameter,
insulation, etc. should be followed. All other relevant guidance on condensate
discharge pipe installation should also be followed.

Insulation Materials
Insulation used for external condensate pipes, sink or washing machine waste
pipes should be of class ‘O’ grade with an outer coating that is weather proof,
bird/animal proof, and UV resistant finish. A minimum of 19mm thick insulation
is recommended for 32mm external pipes.

Use of Air Breaks In Condensate Discharge Pipes

Heating engineers should follow manufacturer’s instructions on the use of air
breaks in condensate discharge pipes. A visible air break is not required if the
boiler condensate trap has a minimum condensate seal of 75mm incorporated
into the boiler.

Connecting to a rain water downpipe/External Soil Stack

When an external soil stack or rain water downpipe is used as the termination
(NB only permissible if this downpipe passes to a combined foul and rainwater
drainage system) an external air break must be installed between the condensate
discharge pipe and the downpipe to avoid reverse flow of rainwater/sewage into
the boiler should the downpipe itself become flooded or frozen.

Figure 5 shows a suitable connection method. Pipe insulation should be fitted.

Manufacturers Instructions
Manufacturers Instructions must
must be
be referred
referred to
to when
when
installing boiler
installing boiler condensate
condensate discharge
discharge pipes
pipes
External Connections

Figure 5 – External termination to rainwater downpipe (NB only combined foul/rainwater

drain)

5
1
3
9
2
6

7
10

4 8
11
Key
1 Condensate discharge pipe from boiler
2 Pipe size transition point
3 Water/weather proof insulation
4 43mm 90° male/female bend
5 External rain water pipe into foul water
6 External air break
7 Air gap
8 68mm PVCu strap on fitting
9 Minimum internal diameter 19mm
10 Minimum internal diameter 30mm
11 End cut at 45°

Manufacturers
Manufacturers Instructions
Instructions must
must be be referred
referred to when
to when
installing
Manufacturers
installing boiler
boiler condensate
Instructions
condensate discharge
must pipes
be referred
discharge pipes to when
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

External Termination of the Condensate Pipe

Where the condensate discharge pipe is terminated over an open foul drain or
gully, the pipe should terminate below the grating level, but above water level,
in order to minimise “wind chill” at the open end. Pipe drainage and resistance
to freezing will be improved if the termination end of the condensate pipe is cut
at 45 degrees as opposed to a straight cut.

The use of a drain cover (such as those used to prevent blockage by leaves)
must be fitted to offer further protection from wind chill. Figure 6 (following
page)shows a suitable connection method. Where the condensate drain pipe
terminates in a purpose-designed soakaway (see BS 6798:2014 or boiler
installation manual for soakaway design requirements) any above-ground
section of condensate discharge pipe should be run and insulated as described
above. Figure 7 (following page) shows a suitable connection method.

Unheated Areas in Buildings

Internal condensate drainage pipes run in unheated areas such as lofts,
basements and garages should be treated as external connections and insulated
accordingly. Weather proof materials may not be necessary and should be
assessed by the heating engineer.

Use of Air Breaks In Condensate Discharge Pipes

Installers should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of air breaks
in condensate discharge pipes. A visible air break and trap is not required if the
boiler condensate trap has a minimum condensate seal of 75 mm incorporated
into the boiler.

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

Figure 6 – External drain, gully or rainwater hopper

1
2 9 10

7 5

11

4 8
6

Key
1 Boiler
2 Visible air break
3 38mm minimum trap
4 Visible air break and trap not required if there is a trap with a minimum condensate seal
of 38 mm incorporated into the boiler – refer to manufacturers instructions
5 External length of pipe 3 m maximum
6 Open end of condensate discharge pipe direct into gully 25 mm min below grating but
above water level; end cut at 45 °
7 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm
8 Pipe size transition point
9 Minimum internal diameter 30 mm
10 Water/weather proof insulation
11 Fit drain cover/leaf guard

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
External Connections

Figure 7 – Example of a purpose made soakaway

11
1 9 10 2

6 7

Key
1 Condensate discharge pipe from boiler
2 Ground (this section of the condensate discharge pipe may be run either above or below
round level); End cut at 45°
3 Diameter 100 mm minimum plastic tube
4 Bottom of tube sealed
5 Limestone chippings
6 Two rows of three 12 mm holes at 25 mm centres, 50 mm from bottom of tube and facing
away from house
7 Hole depth 400 mm minimum by 300Manufacturers
mm diameter Instructions must be referred to w
8 Minimum internal diameter 19 mm installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
9 Pipe size transition point
10 Minimum internal diameter 30 mm
11 Water/weather proof insulation

Manufacturers Instructions must be referred to when

installing boilerInstructions
Manufacturers condensatemust
discharge pipes
be referred to when
installing boiler condensate discharge pipes
 Our customer information guide on frozen boiler condensate
discharge is also available for download.
It includes a condensate assessment form, for engineers to
complete and advice to customers during extreme cold weather
conditions.

Customer information:
Frozen boiler
condensate discharge
October 2018 Issue 1.0

Condensing Boiler
Guidance and advice for customers- endorsed by the Heating and
Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC

[email protected] Camden House

Warwick Road
01926 513777 Kenilworth
@HHIC CV8 1TH