Leaking Condensate Pipe? Here’s What To Do!

Everybody comes to the point in our lives that we wish we could anticipate the future. When you suddenly confronted by a issue in your home, like a leaky boiler the desire to fix it becomes more urgent. Repairing something that’s already damaged and creating problems isn’t easy. What if we told you that there’s a method to anticipate the future? And become an expert in boiler condensate pipes who can spot potential damage before they happen!

Read on and discover how to tackle this problem face-to-face.

Also, if you’re one of the following:

• Are you having issues lately in your condensate line;
• are willing to learn from the experts;
• is looking to learn more regarding the common causes for a condensate pipe that is leaking

What Is a Condensate Pipe?

There’s one more aspect we must be aware of before entering the dark world of leaky condensate pipes and their function.

The condensate tube is used to drain all of the excess water generated by the condensing process inside the boiler. Since the water called condensate is slightly acidic (that’s because it’s an byproduct of condensed waste gases) therefore, it must be removed by the ABS or PVC pipe. Any pipe made of metal will cause corrosion.

However, we are able to quickly answer the question “Where is the condensate pipe on my boiler?” It’s the only non-metal pipe that you will see coming from it.

Common Reasons for a Condensate Pipe Leaking

A frozen condensate pipeline is the cause of many headaches. However, there are other issues that may not be expected to arise. You may have experienced them before but others haven’t. Whatever the reason you’ll find the tips and tricks provided in this article extremely useful.

The heat exchanger inside your boiler has been damaged.

Condensate trap as well as the pipe are straight from the heat exchanger this means that if they crack or pinholes, it could cause the mains or system water to leak through the pipe. What could cause the pipe leakage in the condensate is when heat causes joint of the pipe to fail in some way.

Tips to use: The only way to fix this issue is to replace your heat exchanger. We are aware that this could be costly therefore having an expert look over your exchanger frequently will prolong its lifespan substantially.

The pipe joints in the condensate pipeline leak.

This can happen when it is the case that construction of the condensate pipes was not completed in a proper manner such as if:

• The joints aren’t correctly sealed. No PVC pipe cement has been used to seal the joints for that reason.
• The wrong pipe and fittings are being used. The only pipes that are suitable for draining condensate is PVC as well as ABS. We have mentioned that any other pipe made of steel will be corroding.
• If the fittings contain metal content (like grab-rings) they’ll erode also.

A useful tip: If the problem is the lack of PVC pipe cement, which is used to seal pipes to fittings, get it at your local shop and then follow these steps:

1. First, you need to mark aligning marks on the PVC joints, where alignment is essential. This can be done by fitting the pipe dry using fittings for the PVC fitting for the pipe and marking both.
2. After you have finished, you can apply the PVC cement both on the fitting and the pipe.
3. Press them in place and then open an alcoholic drink to reward yourself for the job well done!

But, if the incorrect pipe and fittings were utilized perhaps it’s best to contact an expert instead of turning the project into a DIY.

The condensate trap for the boiler is blocked.

The goal that the trap serves is collecting condensate generated by the boiler and release it later. It could be that you are detecting the possibility of a obstruction in the event that you hear the sound of gurgling coming from the boiler. To confirm it, take a walk outside and observe the flue making odd sounds as well. It’s very likely that the boiler is going to the ignition lockout when it makes the next attempt to light the burner.

Why could you end up with a the condensate trap blocked?With time, debris will begin to accumulate into the trap for condensate. tiny bits of the heat exchanger could become corroded and end within the sump and then inside the condensate trap. This is what will slow condensate from flowing that will flow back into the lower part of the heat exchanger after. This is how you end up with an unblocking condensate trap!

A useful tip: Cleaning the trap is an easy task and it’s very easy to complete it yourself, but you should contact an Gas Safe registered expert first to find out how to do it. Similar to heating exchangers, the condensate trap must be checked regularly.

The boiler condensate pipeline is blocked.

Your condensate pipe can get blocked if:

• The condensate is frozen within the pipe, leading to a blockage, and the pipe leaks upwards. It is easy to fix this issue through pouring hot water over your pipe. After that, take a close look at it as well as the fittings as they could break if frozen. Be sure to install an appropriate Condensate Pipe Insulation to prevent this from repeating itself.
• If the condensate pipe installation is inside, it can be examined by pouring water down it to check whether it’s flowing to at the point it reaches. If the pipe is terminated directly into an underground pipeline or soakaway pipe, it could be difficult to examine the pipe’s end. In this situation you’ll need an engineer for heating, and then an experienced plumber to resolve this issue.

Takeaways

• Do not forget that the condensate can be mildly acidic.
• Any wires in the vicinity of the condensate pipe need to be adequately protected.
• Manufacturers Instructions should be referred to when installing the boiler condensate discharge pipe.
• If there’s no way to connect a condensate pipe, it is possible to install a condensate pump.
• The condensate must be pumped into a drain or its own custom-built soakaway. It is essentially an empty plastic container that is packed with limestone to neutralize acid levels.