Frozen Condensate pipes
Chevin are experiencing a very high level of calls during these extreme weather conditions, please be patient.
If you have no heat or hot water and your home is fitted with a condensing boiler, the following information may be of use to you:
Helpful advice to unblock frozen condensate pipes
With the sub zero conditions continuing, Chevin are aware that tenants and residents may experience problems with condensing boilers.
In some cases this may be due to frozen condensate pipes and you may be able to unblock them yourself by following the simple steps outlined below or by watching the video below
Click To View VideoWhen trying to unblock frozen pipes yourself please take care and follow the steps below.
Using hot water (not boiling - heated by a kettle, microwave or hob) pour over the end of the pipe where it is frozen using a suitable container (watering can) or hold a Hot Water Bottle or Heat Wrap around the condensate pipe.
Once the pipe is thawed you will need to re-set your boiler. This is done by holding in the re-set button for 10 seconds and then waiting for the boiler to re-fire.
WARNING!
Extreme caution should be taken at all times when attempting to identify and thaw a condensate pipe. Never attempt to thaw a condensate pipe above waist level, or disconnect the condensate in order to do so. Never attempt to access the condensate pipe or any pipework within the boiler. Beware of ice on the ground that will form from the water you have poured. If in doubt phone Chevin’s Customer Contact Centre for assistance.
What is a condensate pipe?
In simple terms it’s a waste pipe that carries condensation from the boiler/appliance to your drain outside.
Why might the condensate pipe freeze?
Prolonged periods of extreme cold weather can result in the condensate pipe which runs outside from the boiler to freeze if exposed.
What will happen if my condensate pipe has frozen?
The frozen condensation causes a blockage. A sensor within the boiler detects this blockage and shuts down the boiler to avoid expensive water damage.
What is ‘condensate’?
Condensing boilers achieve their high efficiencies by taking as much heat as they can from the boilers flue gases. This causes some of the moisture in the flue gases to condense (cool) and turn from a gas to a liquid (condensate).
