With a cold weather snap on its way, spells of persistent sub-zero temperatures can cause your boiler to stop working if the external condensate pipe freezes.
If you’re having trouble with your boiler, the first step is to check your boiler as it will most likely have a flashing light(s) or display a fault code.
Your boiler’s operating manual should have an explanation of what these codes mean and you’ll be able to see if the code relates to a frozen pipe problem. Another sign would be the sound of “slurping water” when your boiler is trying to provide heat or hot water.
You can follow the easy steps here>>How to fix a frozen boiler condensate pipe – Jigsaw Homes Group
How deal with a frozen condensate pipe.
Reset Boiler: By resetting your boiler, sometimes you may find that the issue has managed to resolve itself. If the frozen pipe has since thawed, the error(s) on your boiler may have cleared. If the fault is still there, then it’s time to try and check outside. If you are not able to go outside to check or the weather conditions are icy, please get in touch with us.
Locate external pipe (outside): The condensate pipe removes water from the boiler. In most installations, you will find a white or grey plastic pipe coming out from the location of your boiler to the outside wall of your home. As a large amount of this pipe is exposed to the outside conditions, during sub-zero temperatures, any water within the pipe will freeze and block the pipe.
Time to thaw: The easiest way to deal with a frozen condensate pipe is to put it in contact with warm water. If you are able to do this, a couple of jugs of warm water poured over the exterior of the pipework will eventually increase the temperature within the pipe and help the ice blockage to subside.
Please note: It’s important that you refrain from using boiling water. However likely it is to melt the ice quicker, you may cause more damage as the extreme contrast in temperatures may cause the plastic pipe to crack. Never go up a ladder or stand on a chair or bin to unfreeze a condensate pipe.
