Looking for advice. My neighbour has installed a new boiler. There are pipes coming out of the alleyway wall which I was told were overflow pipes and the builder when I asked said “ that doesn’t affect anybody” and that nothing happens with the pipes. We had no idea they were going there and as we have sold our house and awaiting buyers survey , these pipes may be an issue. I have attached photos and would appreciate some advice.
Pipes in covered alleyway
- Thread starter Maza21
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The one back to the wall would usually be a Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) blow off from the boiler, which should really be down to the ground as the other one is. The other one, that is down to the ground, then not too sure about that one, depends on what it's connect to. It wouldn't normally be the boiler as well, as that's would only be the PRV. If that accessway is communal and well used then they could be run to the outside.
Ideally they would both be down to the ground and surrounded by a cage.
What do the deeds state with regards to that accessway and it's use? Usually these are halved down the middle but given what the pipework pertains to then there could be a safety issue if there was an activation of one or both safety devices.
As far as that statement is concerned then he's talking $hit - if nothing happened with those pipes then there would be no point in having them. They small one and probably the one down to the ground are safety release outlets and are there if a problem occurs, worst case then boiling hot water/steam could be released, if the longer one is a T&PRV.
Ideally they would both be down to the ground and surrounded by a cage.
What do the deeds state with regards to that accessway and it's use? Usually these are halved down the middle but given what the pipework pertains to then there could be a safety issue if there was an activation of one or both safety devices.
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Yes, what the heck is the longer copper pipe? Gas, condensate (!!!!) or unvented D2?
At least the installer seems to have taken some care with the flue termination.
At least the installer seems to have taken some care with the flue termination.
He has installed a mega flow system as well. This is what the title deeds say
The land has the beneift of a right of way at all times and for all purposes over the part of the common entranceway at the side not included in the title and together also with rights of drainge through the drains and sewers running beneath adjoining land for the purpose of combined drainage.
B: Proprietorship register
This register specifies the class of title and identifies the owner. It contains ar entries that affect the right of disposal.
Title absolute
OK - as suggested by @polesapart, if that's the Megaflo's D2 outlet and that accessway could be/would be used, then that could create an unnecessary risk.
As part of a risk assessment then the worst case has to be considered - if there was a overheat fault on the megaflow that caused the T&PRV to open then that could discharge water/steam @ over 90Deg out of that D2 pipe, if there was a person walking by when that happened then there could cause a serious accident. Worst case with the boiler too if there was a runaway overheat. That's a bit naughty of the 'builders', they may need to extend those termination points.
G3 3(b) ensure that any discharge from safety devices is safely conveyed to where it is visible but will not cause a danger to persons in or about the building. (Building Regulations G3 (3)(b)) (other discharge positions may be acceptable so long as measures are taken to minimise risk of injury to bystanders) Also see - Buiding Regs G3 sec 3.61- Termination of discharge pipe (D2)
Of course, the chances are very very low that anything like that may happen but that's not the point. If the surveyor knows their stuff and does their job properly then that could be flagged as an issue.
As part of a risk assessment then the worst case has to be considered - if there was a overheat fault on the megaflow that caused the T&PRV to open then that could discharge water/steam @ over 90Deg out of that D2 pipe, if there was a person walking by when that happened then there could cause a serious accident. Worst case with the boiler too if there was a runaway overheat. That's a bit naughty of the 'builders', they may need to extend those termination points.
G3 3(b) ensure that any discharge from safety devices is safely conveyed to where it is visible but will not cause a danger to persons in or about the building. (Building Regulations G3 (3)(b)) (other discharge positions may be acceptable so long as measures are taken to minimise risk of injury to bystanders) Also see - Buiding Regs G3 sec 3.61- Termination of discharge pipe (D2)
Of course, the chances are very very low that anything like that may happen but that's not the point. If the surveyor knows their stuff and does their job properly then that could be flagged as an issue.
If the installer was registered and used an accredited persons scheme then he could self certify the install through that, it wouldn't require BC sign off then. I would say the way that's been terminated, within an enclosed space like that, could be called into question and there could be case for it to be corrected.
A generalised call to your local BC asking a 'what if' question and 'would it be allowed' would probably clear it up pretty quickly.