How to solve boiler lockouts caused by condensation

The boiler is an essential part of a home heating system. In the winter period, doing without a boiler is almost impossible, but in general, it is important to have a fully functioning boiler whatever the season. It is the boiler that supplies radiators or obtains domestic hot water.

As we have seen above, there are different reasons why a boiler goes into lockout. A boiler goes into lockout when there is something preventing it from functioning properly. This activates a safety system, which locks the appliance to prevent more serious damage.

One of the reasons why the boiler can lock out and not turn on is condensation forming inside the exhaust pipe. This is the case with condensing boilers, i.e. boilers that, compared to conventional models, can recover part of the heat generated for combustion. This optimises the performance of the boiler itself and makes it more efficient.

Understanding the reasons why the boiler is in lockout allows us to solve the problem ourselves or, in more serious situations, to call in a specialist service engineer. So let's investigate the reasons why the boiler stops working due to condensation to find out how to solve the problem.

Why does condensation cause the boiler to block?

Condensing boilers use the heat of condensation from flue gases; the temperatures of the flue gases are so low that they form a lot of condensation. If the installation is not carried out properly, return condensate can damage electronic parts by finding its way back through the outside of the flue.

Another problem related to condensation, which can lead to the boiler going into lockout occurs during winter. In fact, at this time, there is a high probability that the condensate drain pipe will freeze and consequently become blocked with ice, thereby causing a boiler lockout. In the vast majority of cases, these problems occur where the condensate drain is located outside the building.  

Solution to boiler lockouts caused by condensation

In the first case, i.e. when the boiler goes into lockout due to condensation resulting from improper installation, the solution is to call in a specialist installation engineer to fix the installation and prevent the boiler from becoming irreparably damaged. To ensure that the resulting moisture does not damage the combustion chamber and flue (if present), a special plastic or stainless steel pipe must be installed. This can often simply be inserted into the existing flue pipe. If you do not wish to use the old flue, you can also run a different flue pipe upwards into the atmosphere.

To avoid the formation of ice in the condensate drain pipe, however, it is necessary for the condensate water to be at a sufficiently high temperature, so a well-insulated pipe can prevent ice from forming in the pipe.  

It is therefore always advisable to rely on specialist installation and service engineers, such as Enel Partners, who can assist you with boiler repair and maintenance.