Avoid sudden heating loss this winter

What’s a condensate pipe?

Many of us have condensing boilers in our homes – in fact all homes built since 2005 have them and also if the boiler has been replaced since 2005, following a change in regulations. It’s an energy efficient way of heating the water that circulates in your radiators.

In the heating process, waste water is produced and needs a condensate pipe to escape. In some homes, the pipe leads straight into the kitchen drainage system. If the home layout makes this too complicated, a condensate pipe will run from the boiler, through the wall, running to a drain where this waste water will go.

If your boiler suddenly stops and we have had a few days of below freezing temperatures, it’s very likely that the waste water in the condensate pipe has frozen - if the pipe is outside. With nothing able to move through the pipe, the water backs up and an automatic sensor in the boiler will shut it down to prevent water damage.

How do I defrost the pipe?

Can I prevent the pipe from freezing?

Yes! Insulating the pipe helps prevent the water to freeze. This is something either you can do this yourself with pipe insulation from a DIY shop, or TSG can do this. When TSG installs a boiler for you it should be designed for the condense pipe to run inside - to a kitchen or bathroom waste. Where this is too difficult to do and remains outside, TSG will have upgraded and insulated this pipe for you. The insulation should be enough to prevent a frozen pipe but if the weather is particularly cold and your boiler stops, it’s still worth checking the pipe.

Repairs to gas heating and hot water systems are dealt with by TSG, our gas, heating and hot water contractor. TSG can be contacted on 0800 111 4044.

If you avoid switching on your heating because of utility debt, please speak to us. Our Money Advice Team is here to help.