Plumbing News: Beat the big freeze

Frozen condensate pipes were a huge problem last year and many households were caught out during the severe cold weather spell – which in some areas went down to -20°C.

This 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.

British Standards, Building Regulations etc. currently allow condensate drainage pipes to be run either internally or externally, or a combination of both.

These documents give guidance on how to install the pipes in order to reduce the possibility of freezing. However, this guidance may not be sufficient to prevent freezing in extreme conditions - with widespread and prolonged very low temperatures.

In view of the possibility that UK weather patterns will show more “extremes” in future due to the effects of global climate change, the following guidance updates previous recommendations on condensate drainage pipe installation.

All other technical requirements for condensate drain installation given in British Standard BS 6798:2009, or in boiler manufacturers’ installation instructions should still be followed.

HHIC technical manager, Glyn Thomas, said: “These guidance documents have been developed in close consultation with HHIC member companies who manufacture and install boilers.

“They give additional information for installers on ways to avoid freezing of condensate drains, developed in the light of recent experience during prolonged spells of very cold weather in the UK - and for householders on possible actions to take if they have problems with frozen condensate drains during the winter ahead.”

HHIC’s Isaac Occhipinti said: “December temperatures have fallen every year for the last five years. Winter 2010 was the chilliest spell since 1979 with the coldest December on record. Our changing climate has put additional pressures on householders heating systems. That is why HHIC has issued official guidance for installers in case the high level of frozen pipes occurs again due to extreme weather.”

To find out more about the HHIC guidance, visit: http://www.centralheating.co.uk/checklists/frozen-condensate-pipes/frozen-condensate-guidance-installer.

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