A plumber’s knowledge of existing drainage infrastructure, combined with a Saniflo Sanicondens Pro condensate pump, has enabled a homeowner in Hinckley, Leicestershire, to relocate her boiler as part of a major renovation, freeing up valuable kitchen space without expensive drainage alterations.
When Jules Hodgson purchased her 1930s semi-detached home, she knew it needed significant modernisation. Although structurally sound, the property required extensive refurbishment, including rewiring, new windows and a complete rethink of the downstairs layout.
Rather than extend the property, Jules decided to convert the existing garage at the front of the house into a utility room, incorporating a washing machine, tumble dryer and sink. During the planning process, her plumber identified an opportunity to make use of existing pipework left over from a former outside WC.
Recognising the potential of the property’s existing drainage infrastructure, he suggested relocating the boiler from the kitchen to the new utility room, creating more space for the planned kitchen layout.
However, the new boiler position presented a challenge. With no convenient gravity drainage route available, an alternative was needed to remove condensate without costly modifications to the drainage system.
The solution was a Saniflo Sanicondens Pro condensate pump, which allows condensate to be discharged through small-bore pipework to an existing drain.
With the boiler installed on one side of the converted garage and the drainage connection on the other, the plumber devised a route that took the pipework upwards along the ceiling, down behind the washing machine and sink, and into the adjacent downstairs cloakroom, which connects to the property’s existing drainage system.
The installation enabled the boiler to be relocated without major drainage alterations, allowing Jules to achieve her preferred layout without compromising the kitchen or utility room design. The boiler will eventually be concealed behind cupboard doors for a neat finish.
Jules is delighted with the result: “Without that it would have been prohibitively expensive to alter the drainage infrastructure and the boiler would have had to stay put. It’s also much quieter than I expected, and once the cupboard doors are fitted, I don’t think I will hear a thing. The installation and pipework are very neat. It’s such a great solution.”
The Sanicondens Pro is a compact, quiet condensate pump designed for applications including gas and oil boilers, air conditioning, refrigeration and dehumidifiers. Featuring two inlets and a 2.2-litre tank, it can pump condensate up to 4.5 metres vertically or 50 metres horizontally, providing flexibility where gravity drainage is difficult or impractical.
The project demonstrates how installer expertise, combined with the appropriate pumping technology, can help homeowners overcome practical constraints when adapting existing properties to meet changing lifestyle needs.
For more information about the Saniflo condensate pump range, visit www.sfasaniflo.co.uk.