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If your boiler has suddenly stopped working during freezing weather, there’s a good chance the culprit is a frozen condensate pipe. The good news? It’s a simple issue to fix yourself, and it isn’t covered by your manufacturer’s warranty—so checking it first could save you the cost and time of calling out an engineer.

Here’s everything you need to know to safely thaw your condensate pipe and get your heating back up and running.

How Do I Know if My Condensate Pipe Is Frozen?

If any part of your condensate pipe is routed outside, it’s vulnerable to freezing during prolonged cold snaps. Here are common signs to look out for:

• Gurgling noises coming from the boiler
• Boiler lockout or shutdown
• Error codes such as A01 or A61 on a digital display
• Visible ice on the external pipework

Don’t panic—frozen condensate is a frequent winter issue and can usually be resolved quickly without the help of an engineer.

How to Safely Thaw a Frozen Condensate Pipe

Follow these simple steps to thaw your pipe safely:

1. Locate the Condensate Pipe

Find the white plastic pipe that runs from your boiler to the outside of your property. The blockage is usually at an exposed bend or the pipe’s open end—anywhere water can collect and freeze.

2. Warm the Affected Area

To thaw the pipe, gently warm the frozen section using one of the following:

• A hot water bottle
• A cloth soaked in warm water
• Warm (not boiling) water poured over the pipe

Avoid boiling water as it may damage the pipe.

3. Reset Your Boiler

Once you’ve thawed the blockage:

• Clear any error codes
• Reset the boiler
• It should restart and operate normally if the pipe is now clear

Always check your condensate pipe before requesting an engineer visit.

How to Prevent Your Condensate Pipe Freezing Again

After you’ve got your heating back on, take steps to reduce the chance of the pipe freezing in future cold spells:

• Insulate (lag) the pipe using waterproof, weatherproof lagging
• Install a drain cover to help protect the pipe end from wind and snow
• Consider asking an installer about alternative routing solutions if the pipe freezes frequently