Get fit for winter – insulate your pipes to prevent freezing

Cold weather in previous years has resulted in a large increase in the number of calls to boiler manufacturers and heating installers, from householders with condensing (high efficiency) boilers, where the condensate drainage pipe has frozen and become blocked with ice. This then causes the condensate to ‘back up’ into the boiler and can cause a complete shutdown.

Stewart Clements, Director of HHIC said “Frozen condensate pipes can be a real problem and we want homeowners to be aware so they can take the necessary steps to avoid it happening. British Standards, Building Regulations and boiler manufacturers’ installation instructions currently allow condensate drainage pipes to be located either internally or externally, or a combination of these so we are asking homeowners to locate the condensate drainage pipe, for their appliance and ensure it is adequately insulated. Prevention is always better than cure. However, if the pipe does become frozen we want homeowners to know what to do - ring your local Gas Safe Registered installer who will be able to explain the situation, rectify the problem and get the system working in no time.”