Would You Like To Ask DDH Blackpool A Question About Plumbing?

Discount Domestic Heating (DDH) have over 30 years experience. We have created this blog to help people to fix little plumbing jobs for themselves, instead of paying a plumber like us to come out for a one minute job that could cost you money for a simple fix. If you have any issues with your central heating, thermostat, boiler, radiators, etc... Please feel free to ask us a question here, as we maybe able to tell you how to fix the problem or if it is a bigger problem we can come out and give you a quote, if you would like one.

Thanks DDH Plumbing Blackpool

How can I tell if the boiler’s condense trap/discharge pipe has frozen?

Step 1 - It’s possible that your boiler’s condense trap/discharge pipe has frozen if all 3 of these statements are correct:

The outside temperature is or has been below freezing
Your boiler is displaying either an EA fault code, a D5 code or is displaying a flashing blue light (for 26CDi boilers you may see a flashing red light instead)
Your boiler is a Greenstar gas boiler, or a 26 CDi

Step 2If all 3 statements are true, you should now try to reset your boiler. This can be done by holding in the ‘reset’ button (this can be found on the boiler control panel) for 10 seconds. Once you have released the button you should wait 2 to 3 minutes to see if the boiler re-fires.

Step 3If the boiler does not re-fire and it is emitting a gurgling sound, then it is almost certain that your condense is frozen. If you cannot hear a gurgling noise you should still proceed to check your condense pipe.

Step 4The condensate pipe is a plastic pipe (black, white or grey), coming from the bottom of your boiler. If this pipe is less than 32mm in diameter and runs outside of the property or through a non-heated area then it should be fully insulated with waterproof lagging. If it is not fully lagged and the 3 criteria (in step 1 above) apply then it is likely that it is frozen and needs to be thawed.

Need a plumber? Call 01253 698099

How can the condensate pipe be thawed?

You should only attempt to thaw a condense pipe that is at ground level and which is easily accessible to you.

A hot water bottle or heat wrap (like the ones that can be used to ease muscle discomfort) would be a suitable and safe way of thawing the condense pipe. Hold the hot water bottle or warmed heat wrap around the condensate pipe to thaw it.

Once thawed, the boiler must be reset. This can be done by holding the reset button in for 10 seconds and then waiting 2 to 3 minutes for the boiler to refire.

If you are uncertain of what to do or require particular assistance then you could invite a neighbour/friend or family member to assist you. The person assisting you can, if required, contact our Technical Support Team (08705 266 241) for assistance.

For an experienced plumber in blackpool call 01253 698099

What is a condensing boiler?

A condensing boiler is able to extract more heat from the fuel it uses than a standard efficiency boiler. It also means that less heat is lost through the flue gases.

The term ‘condensing’ boiler refers to the fact that the boilers produce condense from time to time.

Condensing boilers use heat from exhaust gases that would normally be released into the atmosphere through the flue. To use this latent heat, the water vapour from the exhaust gas is turned into liquid condensate.

In order to make the most of the latent heat within the condensate, condensing boilers use a larger heat exchanger, or sometimes a secondary heat exchanger.

For a free quote for a plumber in blackpool please visit DDH - Blackpool's website.

www.discountdomesticheating.co.uk

What size boiler do i need?

Accurate sizing of a replacement boiler means the new boiler will run at higher efficiency, with lower running costs and reduced carbon emissions. It is essential that the installer carries out a full heat loss calculation for the individual property when specifying a new appliance. 
For more information or for a plumber in blackpool visit www.discountdomesticheating.co.uk