The cold weather in winter can cause your outdoor condensate pipe to freeze. This pipe carries waste from the boiler to the outside of the house. So when the pipe freezes, this can result in a blockage which stops condensate leaving your boiler and stops your boiler from working.
If your condensate pipe has frozen, there are three methods you can try in order to defrost it and get your boiler functioning again.
Hot water bottle
If you have a hot water bottle at home, you can fill it with water and lay it onto the pipe, allowing the pipe to defrost.
Heat wrap
Heat wraps that are typically used for muscle aches and pains are quite effective at defrosting the pipe too. They can be bought at your local pharmacy or supermarket. Like the hot water bottle, you simply lay the heat rap over the frozen pipe and wait for it to defrost.
Warm water
The most effective method is warm water. Be careful not to use boiling water, so if you’re boiling a kettle, be sure that the water has cooled down slightly before use. Simply pour the warm water directly over the frozen pipe and allow it to defrost.
Preventative measures
Once you have successfully defrosted your condensate pipe and your boiler is working effectively, we would recommend getting an installer to inspect the pipe. A professional installer can insulate the pipe with weather-proof sleeve guards which protect against freezing so the issue does not arise again.
DHS’s expert team of Gas Safe registered boiler engineers can put in place preventative measures to stop your condensate pipe freezing this winter, as well as helping you with all your boiler installation, maintenance and repair needs. We are a Bristol boiler company with over 40 years’ experience in the trade, so you can rely on us to keep you warm through the winter.
Call DHS on 0117 924 7200 or you can email us, or use our contact form.
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