Frozen Condensate Pipes
The current prolonged cold spell is causing the ‘Condensate Drainage Pipe’ from condensing boilers becoming frozen. This happens when the pipe is run externally for some of its length. When this pipe freezes it causes a blockage and stops the condensate from the boiler to the waste in turn stopping the boiler from working.
You can usually tell if this pipe is frozen by a fault code flashing on the boilers digital display (usually F1 or F4 on Glowworm Boilers). There are a number of ways householders may try to thaw this pipe out themselves.
Thawing Frozen Condensate Pipes
1. Locate The Blockage
The Condensate pipe usually freezes at the most exposed point outside. This is usually the open end of the pipe, at a bend or elbow or where there is a dip in the pipe where condense can collect.
2. Thaw The Frozen Pipe
The Condensate can be thawed in a number of ways. By applying a hot water bottle, a microwaveable heat pack, warm cloths wrapped around the blockage or by pouring warm water onto the pipe. It is important that you do not use boiling water.
Please make sure that the pipe is easily reached from ground level—also be aware that if you are pouring water onto the pipe this can also quickly freeze on the ground causing a slip hazard.
3. Reset / Restart The Boiler
This can be done by pressing the reset button on the front of the boiler or by switching it back on.