Feck! My heating pipes are frozen.

DEVEREUX

Been away for couple of days and have returned to find that the outdoor run of pipes to boiler have frozen. I know there is no hope of any thaw till 26th...Am i confined to the fireside or worst still the in-laws. Any suggestions appreciated! Thanks.

DEVEREUX

If i override the motorised valve in hotpress on coil, then knock all radiators off. Would the heat from hot water in cylinder heat the flow and return enough to work its way back to boiler in couple of hours maybe?

shawnee

Try putting some form of heat in the attic and it might help.:p

robd

Also, add heating anti-freeze
http://www.sentinel-solutions.net/uk/landing_pages/How_To/Anti_freeze_frost_protection_for_your_central_heating_system/

Available at plumber suppliers

DEVEREUX

robd wrote: »

Also, add heating anti-freeze
http://www.sentinel-solutions.net/uk/landing_pages/How_To/Anti_freeze_frost_protection_for_your_central_heating_system/

Available at plumber suppliers

Will defo add the anti freeze when thaw comes. As for now would i need the water to be circulating for it to be effective?

Micky Dolenz

DEVEREUX wrote: »

If i override the motorised valve in hotpress on coil, then knock all radiators off. Would the heat from hot water in cylinder heat the flow and return enough to work its way back to boiler in couple of hours maybe?

No

depending on much pipe is ouside, you probably have an ice plug which is solid for a few feet.

Only option, is to dig them out, and cut them, shake out ice after you apply heat and refit, or just wait for the thaw.

Also, closely examine the copper pipe at the boiler, to ensure they have not burst.

Micky Dolenz

Just to add, if you do turn on your boiler now, you pump will be in danger of burning out as it is pumping against a dead head and possibly dry.

DEVEREUX

Thanks for that micky looks like im waiting for thaw and a trip to the in laws .

Yeah I didnt run the heating for fear of burning out the pump. happy xmas!

Sparkpea

I managed to thaw a few jobs out today, basically kettles of hot water over pipes you can see going to the boiler, saucepans of boiling hot water/buckets on the ground/flags if the pipes go underground. Fan heater pointing at the pipeworks and boiler, if its copper pipe the heat will travel down the pipes and help break the plug of ice. You will hear cracking noises when they start to defrost.

dec1892

I have a similar issue as deveraux, is it ok for me to turn on my gas heating without fear of burning out my pump?? thanks

Sparkpea

dec1892 wrote: »

I have a similar issue as deveraux, is it ok for me to turn on my gas heating without fear of burning out my pump?? thanks

no, if your heating pipes are frozen then your boiler/pump should not be turned on

M cebee

how much anti-freeze would an average 3 bed semi need(oil boiler in shed 5metres from house)

the link shows 20% dosage for protection up to -6

how would you add it?-into the header tank when filling the system?