Keeping Warm This Winter. Simple Advice to Protect Your Home and Heating
- Joe Lewis
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Winter in Somerset can be cold and unpredictable, and when temperatures drop your heating system works harder than at any other time of year. A little preparation and some simple checks can help keep your home warm, reduce breakdowns and avoid unexpected boiler issues during the colder months.
At Somerset Gas, one of the most common winter problems we attend is a boiler shutdown caused by a frozen condensate pipe. It is a straightforward issue once understood, and in many cases can be resolved safely without an engineer.
How to Keep Your Home Warm During Winter
Before looking at boiler problems, there are a few practical steps that can help your heating system run efficiently and keep your home comfortable.
Keep your heating at a steady, consistent temperature rather than turning it on and off
Close curtains and internal doors during the evening to retain heat
Bleed radiators if they feel cold at the top
Check boiler pressure occasionally and top up if required
Make sure air vents and boiler flues are clear at all times
These simple actions help improve efficiency and reduce strain on your boiler.
Why Do Condensate Pipes Freeze?
Modern high efficiency boilers produce condensation as part of normal operation. This water drains away through a condensate pipe, which is often routed outside the property.
In freezing temperatures, water inside the external section of the pipe can freeze and block the system. When this happens, the boiler shuts down as a safety measure, resulting in no heating or hot water.
This is one of the most common reasons boilers stop working during cold weather.
Signs Your Condensate Pipe May Be Frozen
You may have a frozen condensate pipe if:
Your boiler stops working during very cold weather
A fault code appears on the boiler display
There is no heating or hot water despite the system being switched on
What to Do If Your Condensate Pipe Is Frozen
If you believe your condensate pipe has frozen, follow these steps carefully.
Locate the condensate pipe, usually a white or grey plastic pipe leading from the boiler to an external drain
Gently thaw the pipe using warm water, hot water bottles or warm cloths
Start thawing from the lowest point of the pipe and work upwards
Once thawed, reset the boiler using the manufacturer’s instructions
Do not use boiling water, kettles or open flames, and do not attempt to dismantle the boiler.
If the boiler does not restart after thawing, professional assistance will be required.
How to Prevent a Frozen Condensate Pipe
Preventative steps can significantly reduce the risk of future issues.
Ensure external condensate pipes are properly insulated
Keep the external pipe run as short as possible
During very cold spells, leave the heating on at a low temperature overnight
If you are unsure whether your condensate pipe is adequately protected, we can advise and make improvements where necessary.
When to Call Somerset Gas
If your boiler will not restart, or if you are unsure about carrying out any of the steps above, it is always best to call a qualified engineer.
Somerset Gas provides professional boiler repairs, servicing and maintenance across Somerset. Our experienced engineers respond quickly, diagnose faults accurately and work safely to restore heating and hot water with minimal disruption.
If all else fails, give us a call. We are here to help keep your home warm, safe and running smoothly throughout winter.
