Ice breaker!
The worst time for your boiler to suddenly stop working is during freezing cold weather. However, if you have an outside condensate pipe, there could be a simple explanation and you can get your boiler back up and running in a few minutes.
Share this article
Bradley Barker, has a top tip for avoiding sudden heating loss this winter.
What’s a condensate pipe?
Many of us have condensing boilers in our homes – in fact all homes built since 2005 have them, following a change in the law. It’s an energy efficient way of heating the water that circulates in your radiators.
In the heating process, waste water is produced and needs a condensate pipe to escape. In some homes, the pipe leads straight into the kitchen drainage system. If the home layout makes this too complicated, a condensate pipe will run from the boiler into the wall. You will have pipe work on the outside of your kitchen wall, running to a drain where the waste water will go.
If your boiler suddenly stops and we have had a few days of below freezing temperatures, it’s very likely that the waste water in the condensate pipe has frozen. With nothing able to move through the pipe, the water backs up and an automatic sensor in the boiler will shut it down to prevent water damage.
Bradley Barker, Asset Compliance Delivery Manager
Can I prevent the pipe from freezing?
Yes! If your pipe isn’t already insulated, you can do this yourself with pipe insulation from a DIY shop. If TSG installs a boiler for you, they will do this as part of the process. The insulation should be enough to prevent a frozen pipe but if the weather is particularly cold and your boiler stops, it’s still worth checking the pipe.
Repairs to gas heating and hot water systems are dealt with by TSG, our gas, heating and hot water contractor. TSG can be contacted on 0800 111 4044.
If you avoid switching on your heating because of utility debt, please speak to us. Our Money Advice Team is here to help.