Central heating servicing and repairs

During colder than average weather our repairs department typically receive a lot of calls for frozen condensate pipes. Combination boilers produce a waste which can be susceptible to freezing in extreme colder weather conditions. The condensate may also freeze as a result of the wind-chill factor, even though the outside temperature is not below zero degrees. The condensate pipes form part of the central heating boiler flue system and so if they become blocked, the boiler will shut down.

You can resolve this easily at home. If it is safe and you are able to do so then you can try doing the following:

• You may be able to unfreeze the pipework if the pipework has frozen but only try this if the pipe is easily and safely accessible. Remember the ground outside may be slippery and wet and you should not attempt this if the pipework is high up
• Pour warm tap water over the pipe, which is normally a white plastic pipe on the outside of your property. Before doing this check where the pipework ends to make sure it is safe to do so. The termination point area may be frozen too so run the water over the entire length of the pipe
• The condensate should clear and you may hear the sound of water going through the pipe if you think it has cleared, then reset your boiler. This may need two or three attempts before it comes back on again

This information is a guide with the aim to help you. If you are unable to unfreeze the pipework or do not feel comfortable attempting to do so yourself, please do not hesitate to contact our repairs team on: 01455 238141 (option one) and a heating engineer will attend.

Last updated: ‎27/06/2023 11:34