Boiler problems

[stoop]

This might help if anyone has a condenser boiler and it cuts out.

If you have a pipe on the outside wall it will be to take away the water it produces. The pipe can freeze and cause the boiler to cut out.

Pour a few kettles of hot water over the pipe and re-start the boiler. If it makes a gurgling sound it is still blocked. If not it should be OK.

Just happened to me and my plumber mate told me what to do.

Keep warm everyone

[Highlander]

Stoop - I have an old boiler at home that gives me grief from time to time but I don't think your tip is going to help. Thanks anyway .

[Anne]

Stoop wish me luck.  We're on our second day with no heating.  The kettlie is now on the boil, anything is worth a try

[stoop]

Anne - if you have a condenser it might be giving you some indication on the front if it has the facility. Does it have any letters flashing?

If you have a pipe on the outside wall like me then this might be the problem.

Good luck.

[stoop]

quote:Originally posted by Highlander

Stoop - I have an old boiler at home that gives me grief from time to time but I don't think your tip is going to help. Thanks anyway .

If she reads this you might just need my help - somewhere to live!!!!

[Anne]

no lights flashing and four kettles later on the outside pipe still no joy

[barry44544]

Get a Gas Safe Engineer....
Don't cut corners with Gas.
You Must be registered, and should be qualified.
Remember.. not only Gas.. but 220v Electric.

[Rimms]

Stoop, Barry makes a good point but your post also points out a very common reason why a central heating boiler might stop working in this very cold weather. The condensate drain on all A Rated (condensing) boilers can be subject to freezing depending on a number of factors and this will stop the boiler. Rather than risk the old 'kettle' trick, get your local plumber to quote you for a condensate pipe trace heater which will automatically introduce a heat source to the condensate drain if the temperature approaches freezing point. If your plumber has not heard of this solution, tell them to contact www.westco.co.uk - unless you sort this out, it's going to happen each time we hit the big freeze. British Gas will fit this solution, but it will cost you !

[stoop]

Barry,

A Gas Safe engineer told me exactly what to do and he would have just done the same. It's not difficult or dangerous to de-frost the pipe and he's been out doing them all week. I agree with you though - do not cut corners with gas or electricity.

Rimms - sounds like a plan. I'll have a word with my plumber mate to see if he can sort it.

Anne - sounds like you need a plumber

[stoop]

Even British Gas tell you it's safe to do it yourself. Just follow the instructions. I've been told to put more hot water on mine again tomorrow morning. I've also lagged the external pipe. Luckily it's going to be warmer by the weekend.

http://www.britishgas.co.uk/condensate-pipe.html