Why does my boiler have a condensate pipe?
Condensing boilers create water when they’re working effectively. They all have a specific pipe (usually white plastic, running from your boiler) which routes this condensed water to your drainage system. Ideally the pipe will run internally so it’s not exposed to the cold, but many run at least partly outside, which means they’re at risk of freezing and affecting your boiler’s function.
How to prevent your condensate pipe from freezing
- Having a fully insulated condensate pipe
- Having a minimum 32mm diameter condensate pipe
- The pipe being as short as possible and with as few bends as possible
- The pipe ending below a drain cover to prevent wind chill
How to thaw a frozen condensate pipe
This process is only recommended if your boiler’s condensate pipe is easy to access and safe to reach. Just pour a jug or watering can of warm (not boiling) water along the exposed length of the pipe – you may need to do it a couple of times. Alternatively, put a hot water bottle or heat pad on the exposed section. Then you can reset your boiler and it should start as normal.
If this doesn’t resolve the problem and your boiler is still not working, there may be a more complex issue. If so, get in touch with the Roost Heating team and one of our Gas Safe engineers will get your boiler mended for you.