Boiler Advice For Freezing Conditions in Glasgow
Do you worry that your heater will fail under frigid temperatures? Do you fear thinking about the consequences of high energy bills due to an inefficient heating system?
January is the most popular month for boiler repairs in Glasgow, closely followed by February.
When the weather becomes cold, people across the UK rely on their boilers to keep them warm. However, some older boilers are prone to breaking down in sub-zero conditions. The pipes from your central heating system may be susceptible to freezing when the temperature drops. So how can you ensure your boiler continues to heat your home during the winter months.
Continue reading to find out ways to prevent a boiler breakdown this winter through regular boiler service and insulation upgrades.
How to Reduce the Possibility of Frozen Condensate
Pipes freezing during winter weather in the colder months is always a concern. If your boiler stops working in frigid conditions then a frozen condensate line is the most common boiler problem during the winter season. This pipe, designed to move water away from condensation, frequently runs outside and can freeze during extended colder weather.
Fortunately, there are some precautions you may take to reduce the possibility of this happening:
- Prepare for winter by insulating your condensate line with foam or lagging, this will slow down the freezing process and can be purchased at any DIY store.
- If there is a time of severe weather, keep the heating on low all night to prevent the pipe from freezing.
- Turning up the thermostat reduces the amount of condensate produced.
- Make sure your combi boiler is well-maintained, and consider moving the condensate pipe if the position of your boiler installation will permit it.
Safely Thawing a Frozen Condensate Pipe
If the heating does not turn on and there is no hot water, you may have a frozen condensate line. But don’t worry; you shouldn’t need to call a heating engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
By carefully inspecting the pipe and determining the source of the problem, you will know whether it has frozen. If it’s frozen, it’ll be easy to defrost on your own.
Use a hot water bottle, heat pads, a heated cloth, or warm water to gently thaw it out and prevent damage to your radiators and heating system. Be careful not to pour boiling water into frozen pipes, since this may cause pipework to crack. If you boil the water in a kettle, wait at least 15 minutes before pouring it into the pipe to safely thaw it without risking damage to your heating system.
Once the pipe is unfrozen, you may restart your boiler, and it should resume normal operation.
If this does not work, your pipe may have burst, and you should contact a gas safe registered plumber to have it examined and repaired. If you are without heating or hot water in frigid temperatures, we recommend staying in the warmest area in the house. Close the curtains, dress yourself in layers, consume warm beverages, and move around to keep your body warm.
Freezing Conditions Do Not Always Result in a Broken Boiler
A boiler malfunction in cold weather is a terrifying scenario. However, a frozen condensate line may be thawed in a matter of minutes, allowing your combi boiler to continue operating.
Have you found this blog to be helpful? Contact Blackwood Plumbing And Gas for a new boiler or heating system inspection. for additional information and central heating services from gas safety qualified specialists.
