Is it legal to connect a combi expansion pipe to a drainpipe?

Question

Is it legal to install a combi boiler in a cupboard in a bedroom and connect the expansion pipe to a cast iron drainpipe? The person who has done it ownes one of the four flats in our house. Recently during heavy rainfall a back-up occurred and water from the drainpipe entered his boiler. The boiler burst and water entered both his flat and the one below his. Who is liable for the burst boiler and water damage?

He has now disconnected his expansion pipe and an ugly pipe projects from the house wall. I am afraid it may be dangers in the event of boiling water projecting onto a nearby path. Is it possible to have it inspected and if so by whom? I would be very grateful for any advice.

Answer 1

First step would be to contact a lawyer about the damages the boiler caused in your property. Second might be to contact the local code inspector to check the installation. Sounds like you got several problems that need to be addressed separately. Not sure how things work there. In the USA things may be different.

Answer 2

The laws re installing boilers in cupboards and bedrooms have changed over the last few years. If you go on the gas safe website, which was corgi they will explain the current legal requirements. However, they cannot be enforced retrospectively. A cupboard in the bedroom however was probably always going bto be a no go, at least over the last 20 years or so. Re installing the expansion pipe into a drain pipe is definitel a no go. there are corrosive chemicals in the water that comes out of the boiler and therefore this must go directly into a drain.

Answer 3

I'm not a lawyer, but a common person would expect the property owner is directly responsible for damages to adjacent property caused by equipment failure installed on his property. Secondary claims to manufacturers or other third parties is at the discretion of the owner and not pertinent to primary claims against the owner. In other words, sue the owner. If the owner wants to sue the manufacturer or plumber, that's his business, not yours. Ownership documents may extend or alter common legal expectations.

Fuel burning appliances must not be installed in sleeping rooms, with the exception of direct vent appliances which draw combustion air from outside.

Relief pipes must lead outside of the building, their outlets no more than 2' above grade, no less than 6" above grade, and be directed downwards. There is no requirement for the pipe to be attractive.

Even if it were permissible to drain into a DWV system, it would have been required to be via an air gap and receptor which would have prevented drainage water from entering the boiler.

The local building authority would be mandated by law to ensure buildings and related equipment be installed in conformance with governing codes. They are not all seeing and need to be notified of work being done to property to ensure compliance. While they would like to hear about non-complying work, their ability to respond to specific complaints may be limited by time and budget constraints. In other words, do complain, but don't expect a response. It's not possible to have a third party inspect property without the owner's consent. Only government agencies could possibly have this right.

In this particular situation, unless precluded by ownership documents, the owner suffering damage from the unit above should be compensated by unit above owner. Legal action may be required to achieve this. Relief pipe should be extended close to grade and be directed downwards. Complain to your local building department if you think it'll help. Unless you know the details of the combustion air provision, you may have to let the installation in a sleeping room pass.

All of this is USA oriented, but something similar would be expected nearly anywhere.