Proper fix for icing-up condensate pipe

grumbler

neilmcl said:

Worcester Bosch have a neat looking device called a Condensure that allows a greater volume of condensate to be held before being discharged down the external pipework thus preventing enough of a build up to freeze. It can also be fitted/clipped directly over your 22mm heated CH pipework to keep it warm. Although it's a WB product it should fit most boiler's condensate pipework.

https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/professional/products/accessories/condensesure

IMO, this is the easiest solution, especially if the boiler is indoors.

A similar device one can easily DIY, e.g. from a plastic bottle and a piece of plastic tube with a small diameter.

It works similar to a bell syphon, but is much easier to make.

See the video at 2:15

lesalanos

Ectophile said:

I'm not sure if using the drainpipe would work.  That's tended to ice up as well, with melting snow off the roof.

In that case just extend all 3 pipes to below the grid level and cover with a drain guard cover.  This will reduce the wind chill and stop it freezing so easily.  Also cut the condensate pipe at 45⁰ so that it stops it freezing as easily 

You can cut the existing grid to fit around the pipes before adding the drain guard 

Jeepers_Creepers

EssexExile said:

That would be a better solution, a proper condensate soakaway under the wheelie bins. Google "condensate soakaway".

Min 500mm away from house, but otherwise looks a good solution. £15 for the container, and then some 10mm lime chippings.

And with the condensate pipe not having an open end, icing up is far less likely.

Core-drill suitable hole through paving slab, and jobbie jobbed.

lesalanos

EssexExile said:

Jeepers_Creepers said:

Is straight down vertically, and cranked away from the house wall the required amount and into a small sunk pit of lime chips a possibility?

(Starts to Google condensate draining methods...)

That would be a better solution, a proper condensate soakaway under the wheelie bins. Google "condensate soakaway".

Soakaways are usually only used when there is not a drain available aren't they?  Better to sort the issue with icing rather than draining acidic water into your land 

Jeepers_Creepers

lesalanos said:

Soakaways are usually only used when there is not a drain available aren't they?  Better to sort the issue with icing rather than draining acidic water into your land 

The lime chippings should neutralise the acid. It is an accepted method, and - in the OP's situation - I know what I would go for.

lesalanos

Jeepers_Creepers said:

lesalanos said:

Soakaways are usually only used when there is not a drain available aren't they?  Better to sort the issue with icing rather than draining acidic water into your land 

The lime chippings should neutralise the acid. It is an accepted method, and - in the OP's situation - I know what I would go for.

Dig away to your hearts content.  I'd be extending the pipe 4 inches so it's out of the wind and covering with a drain guard rather than rerouting and digging a pipe underground to a soakaway 

It is an accepted method if there is not an accessible drain, a drain is always the recommended method where present 

Jeepers_Creepers

lesalanos said:

Dig away to your hearts content.  I'd be extending the pipe 4 inches so it's out of the wind and covering with a drain guard rather than rerouting and digging a pipe underground to a soakaway

Sorry - I don't follow this bit.

neilmcl

grumbler said:

neilmcl said:

Worcester Bosch have a neat looking device called a Condensure that allows a greater volume of condensate to be held before being discharged down the external pipework thus preventing enough of a build up to freeze. It can also be fitted/clipped directly over your 22mm heated CH pipework to keep it warm. Although it's a WB product it should fit most boiler's condensate pipework.

https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/professional/products/accessories/condensesure

IMO, this is the easiest solution, especially if the boiler is indoors.

A similar device one can easily DIY, e.g. from a plastic bottle and a piece of plastic tube with a small diameter.

It works similar to a bell syphon, but is much easier to make.

See the video at 2:15

All the new combi boilers from WB now state it as a requirement to route and drain off condensate internally. If you want to use the traditional external method then you must use their Condensure device or a pump.

Jeepers_Creepers

There will certainly be no requirement to retrospectively move it indoors or use that device. You can if you want. Not sure it would help with the OP's situation, tho', as that's a hellish long run...