"Uncle Peter" wrote in message
news
Why do I keep seeing overflow pipes (or boiler condenser pipes, or
whatever they are) on people's houses with the pipe curved round 180
degrees so it faces the wall? Why on earth would you want the water to
run down the wall instead of fall a few inches from the house?

They are two separate things.
Which are you on about?

I have never seen this.

Condensate should be taken to a drain.
An overflow should be in a conspicuous postion so you see it if it
overflows.