Condensate pipe

neilmcl

Gizmo21 wrote: »

Alex, this is from the Worcester-bosch website "For other gas or oil boilers then external condensate runs must be kept to a maximum of 3 metres and must be insulated. It may also be advisable to increase the pipe diameter to 32mm.", it's what came up on one Google search I done. Oh right, thanks, I'll have a look for condensulate etc. I'm guessing leaving the boiler on all night would help prevent it freezing too? I've read so many things saying yes leave it running and others say no you don't have to. I end up not knowing what to believe, haha!

Unfortunately It won't, and also is a waste of money.

Gizmo21

neilmcl wrote: »

I've never seen a 35mm condensate pipe and quite surprised that it freezes, one of the reasons boiler manufacturers recommend going up to 32mm is to prevent freezing.

After all the reading up I've been doing about it, I'm also surprised it freezes up as its bigger than the recommendation. It doesn't make sense to me.

Gizmo21

neilmcl wrote: »

My condensate pipe goes into a wider pipe "jacket" as you describe however it doesn't prevent it from freezing, it still freezes at ground level and backs up into the outer pipe. However it is easy to clear by just pouring hot water down the outer pipe.

Yes, ours backed up too and it ends up leaking out the joint in the airing cupboard. The engineer just said to stick tissue round the join and keep changing it. Made out there was nothing we could do, so hearing that we can infact pour water on the outside pipe at least gives us something to do to help it defrost quicker.

Gizmo21

neilmcl wrote: »

Unfortunately It won't, and also is a waste of money.

Thanks for answering that I wasnt sure if it would or not, theres so much confusion over keeping heating switched on you end up not knowing what to believe.

spadoosh

Same set up with mine.

So far been good this year but get the garggle most years. As soon as i hear it, i get the kettle on to defrost the pipe. My pipework is 32mm so when it freezes theres a load of ice in there, the kettle lubricates the edges and then i just shake the pipe to break up the ice for it to drop out. Its rare ill do it more than a few times a year. I just see it as a chore of cold temperatures, like closing the windows.

If its really bad outside, id drain it in a bucket but would rather avoid it due to the electrics under the boiler.

Gizmo21

I'm glad we're not the only ones with that set up. I think we'll be doing the same then if it freezes again. It's also been so far so good with ours this year too, it was just in 2017 we had the problem, so far. I don't know why the engineer the housing sent out to us didn't say we could put hot water on the pipe, it would've saved us from having no heating for 4 days. Yeah, I'd rather avoid the whole draining into a bucket thing too, I'm not a fan of messing with things I have no idea about.

spadoosh

I imagine they didnt tell you because they could only charge for about 2 minutes work if they did. With a guarantee that you would never call them out again about that issue or youd be unwilling to pay to have the pipe re routed.

Maybe a health and safety aspect in that pouring hot water on frozen pipes can make the pipe crack (with splintered shards of plastic flying off), not a huge issue when youre trying to get the pipe empty just need to be cautious of your eyes and things.

Jet_Lagg

Put your details on the ukplumbers forums (not allowed to put a link) so you will have to Google it!
They are a friendly lot and will give good advice to help your predicament!

Gizmo21

spadoosh wrote: »

I imagine they didnt tell you because they could only charge for about 2 minutes work if they did. With a guarantee that you would never call them out again about that issue or youd be unwilling to pay to have the pipe re routed.

Maybe a health and safety aspect in that pouring hot water on frozen pipes can make the pipe crack (with splintered shards of plastic flying off), not a huge issue when youre trying to get the pipe empty just need to be cautious of your eyes and things.

That's true regarding the charge and possibly health and safety. Thanks, I'll be sure to be cautious when I need to defrost it.

Gizmo21

Jet_Lagg wrote: »

Put your details on the ukplumbers forums (not allowed to put a link) so you will have to Google it!
They are a friendly lot and will give good advice to help your predicament!

Never thought about plumbers forums. Thank you!!