TIP TUESDAY: Condensate Pipes

On the market for over 10 years now, condensing or 'condensate' boilers work much alike conventional gas boilers, only better. By reusing heat from the flue gases; they utilise energy WAY more efficiently.

During this process, the boiler generates residual water vapour which cools to leave 'condensate'. The left-over condensate then politely exits the house through a condensate pipe and out through your wastewater system. The condensate pipe takes condensation from your boiler to your outside drain. It's usually a plastic pipe - grey or white - that travels from your boiler through the wall directly outside where your boiler sits. And this is where things get tricky; since the outlet pipe for the condensate is usually outside, its exposure to the elements makes it vulnerable. Cue a snap of icy cold; causing the condensate within the pipe to freeze - creating a blockage which causes your boiler to break down. CUE CONDENSATE PRO - Insulation of the plumbing gods! Designed to withstand temperatures down to -18°c, for up to 18 hours!! We hope this has been useful! If anyone has a boiler quandary in need of clarification, please pop it in the comments below, and we'll feature you in a forthcoming episode.