Condensate pipe and snow

[JonathanM]

A few installers have now quoted for a new boiler. It’s probably not going to be possible to attach the condensate pipe internally. Boiler is in the integral garage.

The first installer proposed doing it like the neighbours either side. The pipe would run around the garage, and come out of the garage wall very close to the ground. The bottom of the insulation will be about 100mm off the ground, and it will then run just 350mm to the drain. The last installer said he would worry about this because, even though the run is very short, it could get covered in snow. I would be grateful for any opinions on this. I remember from John Noakes on Blue Peter that snow is a good insulator!

 

[Deleted member 267285]

I don’t think he meant it was a good insulator for water. Condensate pipes running externally now have to meet criteria to prevent freezing, so not sure why someone is worried about snow.

 

[JonathanM]

He said something along the lines that, even if insulated, if it gets buried in snow, the condensate could freeze.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Yes that is true, it could freeze, I was always told insulation doesn’t stop freezing just slows it down. Could always go the trace heating route? Or condensate pump?

 

[JonathanM]

I always worry a pump will break. Trace heating looks good. Not heard of that before. Thanks

Although, still thinking about John Noakes being buried in snow, so did a quick google. I've never understood insulation, but it does sound like snow insulates in some ways.

Twelve inches of snow have roughly the same insulating value as a 2x4 wall filled with fiberglass insulation

EDIT: and this

Inch for inch, snow’s about half as good as those rigid fibreglass panels you see everywhere (R-2.5)