FROZEN CONDENSATE PIPES

Many condensing boilers have their condensate pipes routed externally. It is possible that they could freeze, causing an ice plug to form. When this happens, as the condensing boiler is working, it produces water. If it cant escape due to an ice plug, the condensate water back fills, causing the boiler to lock out and fail. This can be devastating, especially in these freezing conditions. If you suspect this has happened to you, you may be able to help yourself. If you have access to your external condensate pipe, boil a kettle, wait 5 minutes and pour the, "hot, but not boiling water,"  over the  external condensate pipe, in the hope that it will thaw out the ice plug. Be careful though, as the hot water can turn to ice on outside steps/paths and you could slip. Hopefully this advice might save some people from having the expense of calling out a tradesman.