Cold weather
If your boiler has stopped working in colder weather, you may have a frozen condensate pipe.
Cold weather can freeze the condensate pipe, which is the external pipe that takes condensation from your boiler to your drain outside. If you think your condensate pipe has frozen, we've got tips to help you safely fix the problem.
A condensate pipe is a small pipe that carries away the water produced by your boiler.
It’s usually connected to your boiler and made of plastic. You can usually find it on the wall outside your home or underneath your boiler.
You can find it by looking for a narrow pipe coming out of your boiler. If it is outside, it will probably end near a drain.
In cold weather, the water inside the condensate pipe can freeze. This will stop your boiler from working.
Check the end of the pipe. If water isn't coming out, you can see ice or it feels very cold, it is probably frozen.
You may also be able to hear a gurgling noise from the boiler or pipes.
To safely defrost your condensate pipe:
- For external pipe - pour hot, but not boiling water, on the pipe. You might need a few kettles or jugs to defrost the pipe.
- For internal pipes - hold a hot water bottle against the pipe.
- Reset your boiler - if the pipe has defrosted your boiler should start to work.
If this doesn't work, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Yes. You can add insulation to the pipe outside. Insulation can be bought from any DIY store.
You can also ask your plumber to install a heat wrap.
Boiler servicing
You should also have your boiler serviced each year to prevent any issues and help you to use gas safely.
Find a Gas Safe registered engineer
Other boiler issues
If you don't think that a frozen condensate pipe is causing your boiler problems, you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to check your boiler.
Find a Gas Safe registered engineer