Pipe arrangement to combi-boiler with leaking valve.

[chainsaw_masochist]

A friend called me to say that he had a leak on the valve that he uses to (occasionally) re-pressurize his CH system and could I replace it for him. I assumed he was referring to a filling loop but when he explained that there was no braided hose I asked him to send a piccy of said valve. This is what he has on a boiler (WB 28i Junior) that has been installed in the last couple of years:

Ever seen anything like this before?

Untitled

• chainsaw_masochist
• 24 Feb 2012
• 1

Untitled

• chainsaw_masochist
• 24 Feb 2012
• 1

Untitled

• chainsaw_masochist
• 24 Feb 2012
• 1

 

[Andygasman2010]

Looks weird. So is it the fill point? If so I'd be getting rid of it and fitting a proper one.

 

[biscuit77]

Cut it out and fit a proper fill loop kit.

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

Well it is the only existing way of re-pressurizing the system. What I find odd, though, is that considering that this boiler was installed within the last couple of years that the contractors did not install a proper filling-loop.

 

[Boilerman2]

The Filling arrangement is Illegal
there MUST BE AN AIR GAP when not in use, a Filling loop has a flexible pipe wqhich SHOULD BE REMOVED when not in use!!

 

[mickyg]

considering that this boiler was installed within the last couple of years .

Quality job then I like the isolation on what I presume is the mains in with a nice looking chrome connector, and where is the condense pipe?
What a mess

 

[Armo74]

Seems to be lacking earth bonding aswell.

 

[plumbplumb]

Strip it out, weigh it in and start again with that mess

 

[pampers]

think that might be a customers couple of years ,about 10 in real years

 

[sunnie]

Mickyg. why should this boiler need a condense pipe ?.

 

[Agincourt1415]

28i junior gc number 47-311-70
may have a internal filling loop, check installation instructions 13.2 commissioning

 

[Boilerman2]

If the boiler has an interanl loop then the abortion of a fill valve should be removed and capped

 

[sunnie]

the installation is a lash up with fittings the installer had in his van/horse box.
previous boiler was a vokera combi and the original fill point has been left in position (it was not allowed when the vokera boiler was originally fitted) also a few vokera parts still in those photos.
PS do not turn that valve with white plastic in middle of centre photos as it will pour out water.

sunnie.

 

[chainsaw_masochist]

OK, OK, but apart from there being no condensate pipe, no earth bonding, no air gap and the whole arrangement being illegal is there anything to worry about?

Pampers: I actually recall matey mentioning that he was having a replacement boiler installed a couple of years ago. Obviously the absent condensate etc would imply that the boiler is much older than that, but could a dodgy installer manage to lay his hands on a non-condensing model if he tried? There can clearly have been no certification provided so the installer, presumably, is not registered.

Sunnie: I thought very small flats were sometimes eligible for non-condensing boilers but, otherwise, don’t they all need condensate pipes these days? Thanks for the comments re the previous Vokera and the white handle.

Agincourt1415: Thanks for the ref but 41-311-70 seems to relate to a 24i. I have had a browse if a couple of installation PDFs for the 28i but cannot see any sign of an internal filling loop. If it did have one it is not something the owner/user could operate in anycase, is it?

Thanks to all the comments and sorry for the gruesome pictures.

 

[pampers]

certain properties can get a exception to having a condensing boiler ,but in reality if the checks done properly unless its a internal flat with no external walls or route to roof or comunal path to run a flue to a external wall on the 10 th floor its not going to get one.
Other than that yes all condensing boiler need a condense pipe.