Soakaway

Frequently Asked Questions Details

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace lime chippings in my SOAK1GR?

Lime chippings will slowly dissolve depending on the amount and acidity of the condensate passing through the soakaway. Check the level and top up if necessary when carrying out an annual boiler service.
Where should a SOAK1GR be installed?

Soakaways should only be used in free-draining porous soil and should be at least 500mm away from any footings or structural walls; it should also not be in the vicinity of other services such as gas, electricity, or water connections.

See full installation instructions at this link.

When installing a soakaway the ground conditions must be taken into consideration. It is recommended that the soakaway is not installed near any service pipework such as water or electrical mains cables and the installation of the soakaway should be a minimum of 500mm away from the building
The McAlpine soakaway should be installed in a hole depth of approximately 400mm minimum x 200mm in diameter. The soakaway should then be placed in the hole with the cut holes in the soakaway facing away from the foundations of the building. The soakaway should then be filled with 10mm limestone chippings

The condensate pipework may terminate above or below ground level. If above ground the condensate pipe must be protected with a waterproof lagging. The pipe end entering the soakaway must be at a depth of 25mm minimum and the end of the pipe cut at 45°
It is recommended that the soakaway is inspected during the annual service of the boiler

Most McAlpine Trap Outlets and Fittings have Multifit Connections.
Multifit Connections suit all plastic waste pipes to BS EN 1451-1-2000 and BS EN 1329-1:2000, copper pipe (metric or imperial) and lead pipe.
The moulded Internal Sleeve of the Connection, centres and supports the pipe. The Multifit and Friction Washers ensure a secure seal is made between the pipe and the wall of the Fitting. When the compression nut is turned hand tight the best possible mechanical joint is complete.
If a plastic pipe is undersize, or out of shape, the end may require to be warmed to enable it to be pushed over the internal sleeve.
For technical reasons, it is not possible to manufacture Multifit Connections on all traps and fittings. Where Multifit is not provided the description Universal is applied. The only difference being that Universal does not have an Internal Sleeve within the Trap or Fitting.

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