Frozen condensation pipes

Question

What can lead to a frozen condensate pipe? How can I fix this issue?

Stewart · Answer

The outside temperature if it drops below freezing then it’s highly likey the condensate pipe will freeze causing the boiler to back up and fail to ignite . Depending on where your boiler or condensate pipe is situated

Veron · Answer

A frozen condense pipe is a common issue in the winter, it is mainly due to insufficient or no insulation pipe which covers the condensate pipe protecting it and preventing freezing.

Simon · Answer

If a external condense pipe has long horizontal runs or runs with little fall on them that will cause problems with freezing up as the condensed water will sit in the pipe longer. 
The smaller the diameter of the pipe the more likely it is the more likely it will freeze solid when temperatures fall below zero.
When I worked for British Gas we used to sometimes fit a device called a trace heater wire which would heat the condense pipe when the temperature fell below 4 degrees, although it’s not always guaranteed to work especially if temperatures hit record lows. Insulating pipe with external insulation may help to some degree.

Graham · Answer

It is good practice that all condensate pipes are fabricated in a minimum of 32mm plastic pipework before it passes through wall. 18mm pipe will freeze up easily in weather like has been prevailing recently. The pipework externally should fall to manufacturers spec and industry guidelines respectively. All external pipework should also be suitably lagged and insulated. Hope this answers your question without going in to too much technical detail.

Paul · Answer

Under sized pipe and pipe not insulated are the main reasons in cold weather. Also if a wall is north facing a heating system may be required to stop it freezing.

Dean · Answer

External pipework being to small and not insulated. Most manufacturers insist on 1 1/2” waste pipe if run externally and distance to be kept to a minimum.

Saqib · Answer

When the temperature is in the minus range outside the condensate pipe can freeze leading to the boiler displaying a fault and shutting down. Frozen condensation pipes are very common in the winter, it happens due to insufficient or no insulation pipe, having these will cover the condensation pipe and both protect and prevent it from freezing. Hope that helps.

Matthew · Answer

All depends the size of pipe either increase pipe size of put pipe insulation on it .

Greg · Answer

If it is discharged external to the building in incorrect pipe size. And if correct pipe size maybe put some pipe lagging around it to help prevent it from freezing.

Vasile-adrian · Answer

Mostly condensing pipes freeze when they coming out of the building.  You can install lagging on condensing pipes.  Make sure you lagging all the outside lengths of the pipe.

Andrew · Answer

Frozen condensate pipe happen when the pipe isn’t protected against the elements, any condense pipe running external should be insulated with waterproof and UV protected lagging up to a maximum of 3 meters if the run is more than 3 meters then additional protection is required ie trace heating element. 
Another problem with frozen condense is no air break to stop water running back to the boiler in the event if a blockage, HHIC has all the information regarding condense installation. 
Ideally condense pipes need connecting internally but not always practical.

Mahoney · Answer

It should be correctly installed firstly. The Pipe should run Externally 32mm to a Suitable discharge. You can add insulation which will help prevent Freezing.

Robert · Answer

External pipe size too small or harsh weather conditions, could either lag pipe or try and terminate internally

Frozen condensation pipes

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