An invention which helps to prevent external piping for heating/hot water freezing in cold weather is now being distributed by a leading boiler supplier.
The Condensate PRO product range was developed by plumber and installer Dave Smith to protect against frozen condensate pipework, and its efficiency has led to boiler supplier Intergas becoming its official distributor.
During prolonged periods of freezing temperatures — as many across the UK have been experiencing this week — certain lagging or insulation for pipes may not be able to prevent the condensate from freezing.
Intergas reports that, according to a recent poll of installers, 60% do not insulate external pipework, which can be costly and intrusive to the fabric of the building.
Condensate PRO’s range can easily and inexpensively prevent condensate pipework — which enables wastewater to exit the boiler through the external wall and connect to a drain — from freezing across every external termination: rainwater, soil pipes, gully waste and soakaways.
Speaking about Condensate PRO, John Lawton, Intergas technical product manager, said: “This is a totally new concept for insulating the external section of the boiler condensate pipework and, in our opinion, it’s a game-changer. All our own engineers are already carrying stock on their vans to offer customers a very timely upgrade.”
Avoid the Big Winter Freeze
Boilers are more prone to breakdowns in the winter months, which is when homeowners need them working the most to ward off the freezing temperatures.
(MORE: 11 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Winter)
If your condensate pipes need to be repaired during the winter then you can face being without heating. Insulating your condensate pipes are insulated will help to avoid freezing.
Innovations in Boiler Tech
Meanwhile, earlier this week a hydrogen gas boiler prototype that could help to decarbonise heating and hot water systems in the UK was unveiled by Worcester Bosch.
The UK government has banned the installation of gas boilers in new builds from 2025, and hydrogen boilers could be used to ease the transition from natural gas.
According to Worcester Bosch, the boiler will be a direct replacement to natural gas, burning natural gas on its first day until the switch to hydrogen is made.