Constant Dripping Condensate Query

[plumbingvirgin]

The condensate on my boiler is dripping constantly (even though it has a syphon trap) - I am trying to address this problem but need advice on a couple of things to try and pin-point exactly what the problem is.

Question #One - the area where it is dripping has gone green/yucky algae. I thought condensate was acidic so unlikely that algae would grow - is this correct? So what is dripping out of here? (There is only the condensate pipe in this area.)

Question #Two - I firmly believe that the constant dripping is causing me to lose pressure (for reasons still to be resolved). Would this also lead to a build-up of air in my rads?

Question #Three - the boiler is 2 months out of guarantee - if a part needs replacing and I get the manufacter in are they going to be sympathetic, or laugh and charge full wack? Any experience of this?

Many thanks

 

[GQuigley67]

i don't think the condensate will cause your pressure to drop, if the pressure is dropping in the system its either a leak or the expansion vessel, so there may well be a leak inside the boiler itself.

switch off ur boiler and take off the casing and look for any leaks if you can.

 

[washer]

Obviously you should only remove the boiler casing if you are gsr.

Are you sure it's the condense dripping, is the pipe dripping copper or plastic?

If it's copper, it will be your prv passing and your expansion vessel will need attention, this will cause your pressure to drop.

If the pipe dripping is in plastic, it is your condense pipe. This could well be your main heat exchanger has an internal leak and discharging out of the condense, again this will cause your pressure to drop.

 

[GQuigley67]

Obviously you should only remove the boiler casing if you are gsr.

i think it would be fine if he just had a look without touching anything...

 

[plumbingvirgin]

I'll be careful!

It is the plastic pipe, not copper.
I would be interested to hear views/comments on any of my three questions.

Thanks

 

[GQuigley67]

well i'm with washer on it being an internal leak in the heat exchanger or something, but obviously you need to get someone who is gsr to fix it.

 

[dhgas]

Is this a b rated boiler with the 2nd condensing heat exchanger?. If so there may be corrosion on this heat ex leaking into the condensate trap and causing constant drops and dropping pressure.

Have found this on several b rated boilers. I suppose this could also be a problem on an a rated boiler but have not come across it.

 

[GQuigley67]

Is this a b rated boiler with the 2nd condensing heat exchanger?. If so there may be corrosion on this heat ex leaking into the condensate trap and causing constant drops and dropping pressure.

Have found this on several b rated boilers. I suppose this could also be a problem on an a rated boiler but have not come across it.

aren't the heat exchangers made of stainless steel etc to prevent corrosion ?

 

[dhgas]

aren't the heat exchangers made of stainless steel etc to prevent corrosion ?

No a lot are aluminium and if there are any impurities that get in there in either manufacture or from the system then they can corrode quite rapidly.

I fitted Alpha about 18 months ago and the heat ex went within 12 months, despite a powerflush of the system when it was fitted. Alpha did replace under guarantee.

 

[plumbingvirgin]

Many thanks for the inputs so far. Any takers for my specific questions?
Thanks