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Original poster

Frozen pipe help

22 replies

Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:15

Any tips on how to defrost a frozen condensate discharge pipe? Dang thing is frozen so the boiler won't come on. Been poring warm water over it for 2 hours to no avail. Pretty sure I'm giving up for the night but just wanted to make sure there wasn't an easy fix that I've missed.

OP posts:
Threadkillacilla · 14/12/2022 20:16

Hairdryer.

dementedpixie · 14/12/2022 20:23

My mum had this issue today and the boiler guy cut the pipe near to where it comes out the wall so the boiler would come back on. They will apparently come back to fix the pipe once the weather warms up

Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:29

Threadkillacilla · 14/12/2022 20:16

Hairdryer.

I tried that but it's a decent size stretch of pipe so didn't help much.

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Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:32

dementedpixie · 14/12/2022 20:23

My mum had this issue today and the boiler guy cut the pipe near to where it comes out the wall so the boiler would come back on. They will apparently come back to fix the pipe once the weather warms up

I did actually wonder if that would work but it's not something I'd attempt on my own.

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DobbleDobble · 14/12/2022 20:34

If you pour couple of kettles worth and pour over the end, then give it some taps with a broom or similar, a long column of ice should start to come out.This happens to us every year and happened tonight !

RoseDog · 14/12/2022 20:36

We have the cut condensate pipe in a bucket under the boiler currently, someone also asked on the local Facebook and loads replied saying cut the pipe!

AndrewGloubermanisaperv · 14/12/2022 20:37

My husband has temporarily removed the pipe and is using a bucket not frozen yet but was getting there

Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:38

Is replacing a bit of pipe straightforward for when the weather improves or fairly inexpensive to have done?

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AndrewGloubermanisaperv · 14/12/2022 20:40

My husband looked it up on YouTube.

MadeForThis · 14/12/2022 20:41

My washing machine is in the garage. It's frozen. No idea how long before I can use it. Just hope nothing has cracked.

Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:43

AndrewGloubermanisaperv · 14/12/2022 20:40

My husband looked it up on YouTube.

That i can do, off to YouTube

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Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:54

THANK YOU!

Disconnected the pipe at the bottom of the boiler and plonked a bucket under it and the house is heating nicely

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socksandvests · 14/12/2022 20:55

I came in here yesterday with the exact same problem!
Fixed the issues with gallons of boiling water over the outside pipe bit and then bang the pipe with a rolling pin to dislodge the ice. When you think you are ice free press reset on the boiler and it should just start up again.
Good luck

socksandvests · 14/12/2022 20:57

Oops @Mylittlesandwich I see you have done it, well done. I bet there are thousands of people doing this this week!

Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 20:58

socksandvests · 14/12/2022 20:57

Oops @Mylittlesandwich I see you have done it, well done. I bet there are thousands of people doing this this week!

I would think so, we've been here 7 years and this is the first time it's frozen. It got to minus 10 last night which I suspect is the issue.

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Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/12/2022 20:58

Glad you’re sorted,

a local plumber posted this the other day in case it helps anyone else www.baxi.co.uk/faqs/how-to-thaw-a-frozen-boiler-condensate-pipe?fbclid=IwAR2PhTKxR-CbjMhjbsS4TG7OP4S0Dyf1mqu6i0MQQAZ0O4vNwThdubaXdFE

socksandvests · 14/12/2022 21:02

@Mylittlesandwich my car and my boiler froze yesterday and we were only at -7
I've tried to jumpstart the car today but think it needs a bit more defrosting 🥶

RedToothBrush · 14/12/2022 21:08

We've had this in the past. Get pipe insulation tubing. Solved the problem permanently.

AtomicRitual · 14/12/2022 21:33

When we had our boiler replaced the plumber was giving us options for the condenser pipe. Reading this I'm very pleased we went with the option of taking the pipe through the kitchen wall in to the waste pipe of the downstairs loo!

Why they don't fit insulation as standard if it's outside I don't know!

AllTheCoolThings · 14/12/2022 21:35

MadeForThis · 14/12/2022 20:41

My washing machine is in the garage. It's frozen. No idea how long before I can use it. Just hope nothing has cracked.

Mine too! I think a trip to the laundrette tomorrow is called for. Hope yours defrosts soon!

MarshaMelrose · 14/12/2022 21:42

Muchtoomuchtodo · 14/12/2022 20:58

Glad you’re sorted,

a local plumber posted this the other day in case it helps anyone else www.baxi.co.uk/faqs/how-to-thaw-a-frozen-boiler-condensate-pipe?fbclid=IwAR2PhTKxR-CbjMhjbsS4TG7OP4S0Dyf1mqu6i0MQQAZ0O4vNwThdubaXdFE

Aw, Baxi included this...
Please wrap up warm and take care not to slip on the frozen ground.
That's so thoughtful, made me smile.

Original poster
Mylittlesandwich · 14/12/2022 21:46

RedToothBrush · 14/12/2022 21:08

We've had this in the past. Get pipe insulation tubing. Solved the problem permanently.

I'm definitely going to once it thaws.

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