The Heating and Hotwater Business Council (HHIC) is encouraging heating engineers to make sure that condensate discharge pipes are put in appropriately, and any installations are upgraded the place they’ve a threat of freezing in excessive chilly climate. 

To assist forestall properties experiencing heating and scorching water points and engineers being referred to as out to condensate-related jobs throughout winter, the HHIC has launched an up to date greatest apply set up and upkeep information.  

The commerce physique has moreover urged engineers to make owners conscious of the straightforward steps wanted to thaw a frozen condensate pipe when chilly situations strike. 

The information options a number of key directions for putting in a condensate pipe that may present most safety to the boiler and the client. It additionally outlines the choice of condensate pumps and the best way to overcome the challenges related to current installations. A number of diagrams to help with exterior connections are adopted by an inventory of different issues, like the kind of insulation supplies, air breaks in condensate discharge pipes and the problem of unheated areas in buildings. 

Steve Sutton, Technical Supervisor of the HHIC, mentioned: “This winter, we’re decided to make frozen condensate a ‘factor of the previous’. By following our information’s fundamental set up necessities, corresponding to adequate insulation, this may scale back the probability of additional callouts to properties with no heating on account of a frozen condensate pipe. 

“In recent times, nevertheless, the UK has seen temperatures drop to minus 12 centigrade and beneath in lots of areas, during times of maximum chilly climate, that means that even with this steerage, a threat of pipes freezing nonetheless stays. We extremely suggest that owners get knowledgeable to evaluate their set up of their condensate discharge pipe and make enhancements the place required.” 

Consequently, the HHIC’s information has included a proof of what owners can do to thaw a frozen pipe and to consult with their producer’s directions to re-set the boiler. 

Steve continued: “We urge engineers to advise owners to take care when thawing frozen condensate pipes owing to the dangers related to the climate situations. This features a vary of issues, such because it being important that boiling water isn’t used when thawing the pipe.”