Protect your heating systems from The Beast From The East 2.0

Stewart Clements, Director, HHIC said;

“We are acutely aware that in extreme weather conditions external pipework carrying water is at risk of freezing, particularly when there is a high wind chill factor.”

“If a boiler condensate discharge pipe freezes, it will cause the boiler to go into “shut off” at a time when householders need their heating and hot water the most. Particularly as many are more reliant on their heating systems, given that a large proportion of the UK is now working from home.”

In the vast majority of cases, such problems occur where the condensate discharge pipe is located externally to the building for some part or all of its length and pipe insulation has not been fitted. Condensate discharge pipes should be connected to an internal drainage point. Where it is not possible to connect the boiler condensate discharge pipe to an internal point, the HHIC have an additional guide for heating engineers, which details what action should be taken- such as external pipe insulation”

To prepare for The Beast From The East 2.0, we are urging homeowners and engineers to;

1. Ensure that all new boiler installations conform to the appliance manufacturers’ instructions.
2. Include a condensate discharge pipe ‘check’ during any remedial or servicing work on the boiler. With any remedial action required explained to homeowners who have an installation that is ‘not to current standards or manufacturers instructions’.
3. If consumers are concerned, e.g. it is clear that a smaller bore pipe such as 21.5mm has been used, and/or no insulation is present, they may wish to consider having it insulated appropriately, using suitable materials*

*We would always advise consulting a Gas Safe registered engineer, who will be able to advise further.

If you are confident and comfortable to undertake the work yourself then exercise caution, e.g. if working at height is required, and we would still recommend a check by a registered engineer in due course, to confirm the installation now complies with industry guidance (or recommend any further work required for it to do so).

 “Prevention is always better than cure. However, if the pipe does become frozen we want homeowners to know what to do – our guide details a step by step explanation of what you would need to do to resolve the problem should the condensate pipe freeze. Alternatively, ring your local Gas Safe Registered installer who will be able to explain the situation, rectify the problem, and get the system working in no time.”

You can find the Consumer guide here.

The engineer guide to condensate discharge pipe installation can be found here.