Quick Search
What's New
i is for Inclusive
18 May 2012
In 2012 we want to give you the A-Z of reasons why scottfraser should be your agent of choice.
Understandably, most landlords are concerned about outgoings when letting their property.
In addition to a monthly agent commission there are often ancillary charges for inventories, safety certification and deposit registration which can make budgeting difficult. That is why our i is for Inclusive.
Freezing temperatures hit boilers hard
07 Feb 2012
Millions of households are at risk of their condensing boiler heating systems failing due to external drain away pipes freezing in the current cold weather snap, according to insurer Direct Line.
The number of households that have this type of boiler has increased significantly in the last five years as in April 2007, in England and Wales, it became a legal requirement that all gas boilers must be condensing.
The freezing of pipes is stopping the waste liquid (condensate) from draining away, leading to the "backing up" of the liquid, which will cause the boiler to fail and cut out.
Martin Egan, national property claims manager at Direct Line home insurance, said: "With the arctic weather hitting the UK, we are predicting an increase in boiler failures due to condensing drain away pipes freezing. The problem can be resolved by effective insulation of the pipe, which homeowners can do themselves and save having to call an engineer out. If the plastic pipe from the boiler is in an outside area and is not insulated, it is likely to be frozen and, if isn't already, it is likely to as the cold weather persists."
Tips on how to thaw and protect condensing drain away pipes:
- The condensate pipe is a plastic pipe (black, white or grey), coming from the bottom of the 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;
- Only attempt to thaw a condense pipe that is at ground level and which is easily accessible to you. Under no circumstances should anyone attempt to thaw a condense pipe which is at height, without the assistance of a professionally trained engineer;
- 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, insulate the pipe with waterproof lagging. If it is not at ground level contact the installer in order to implement a permanent solution to prevent the condense freezing.
Chris Carter
Property Manager - Summertown & Witney Office
01865 554577 / chris@scottfraser.co.uk
Source: Property Talk Live
|
|
