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I have a Vaillant Compact boiler. In the very cold weather,

like the last couple of...

I have a Vaillant Compact boiler. In the very cold weather, like the last couple of days, the boiler cuts out and will not restart. We came back from holiday to a cold house. This happened in a cold spell last year and only happens when outside temperature is low. Boiler is kept in unheated garage. Pressing the ignite button does not start the boiler. When it happened last year an internet search told me to go to one of the flexible pipes inside the boiler compartment at the top. Remove the left hand end and blow gently over the top of the pipe. This worked then and worked again this week to restart the boiler. How can I solve this problem. It is now guaranteed that when we go on holiday and there is a cold snap the boiler will stop.
Regards

Michael

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Answered in 2 hours by:

12/14/2012

Plumber: Michelle-Mod, Moderator replied 10 years ago

Michelle-Mod, Moderator

Category: UK Plumbing

Satisfied Customers: 21

Experience: Moderator

Verified

Hello,

I've been working hard to find a Professional to assist you with your question, but sometimes finding the right Professional can take a little longer than expected.

I wonder whether you're ok with continuing to wait for an answer. If you are, please let me know and I will continue my search. If not, feel free to let me know and I will cancel this question for you.

Thank you!

Michelle

Customer reply replied 10 years ago

I would like an answer. The little pipe that I blow across goes to the air pressure switch. There is a suggestion that condensation can form in the pipe in cold weather. Is this feasable and is there a fix

Plumber: Michelle-Mod, Moderator replied 10 years ago

Hello,

We will continue to look for a Professional to assist you.

Thank you for your patience,
Michelle

Plumber: Andrew Smith, Engineer replied 10 years ago

Andrew Smith, Engineer

Category: UK Plumbing

Satisfied Customers: 4,029

Experience: Domestic Gas, Commercial Gas, LPG, Unvented Hot Water, Part P Electrical, Commercial Catering

Verified

Hi my name is XXXXX XXXXX lets see if we can get you sorted in the shortest possible time. This is a common fault in this type of weather and can be condensation. Are you able to remove it and place it somewhere warm for 20 minutes and see if it improves?

Customer reply replied 10 years ago

With the warmer weather the problem has resolved. I thought condensation could have been the problem.My main question is whether there is any way of preventing this in the future as if we go away when it is very cold we come back to a freezing house. Would shortening the pipe help or wrapping it In some sort of lagging

Plumber: Andrew Smith, Engineer replied 10 years ago

If you increase the pipe size before it goes outside may work as it does not stop it freezing but takes a lot more to block it. Another alternative would be a good quality lagging, but make sure you tape the joints.

Plumber: Andrew Smith, Engineer replied 10 years ago

Can I ask as to why I got a poor rating when I answered the question for you - is there something else you require?

Customer reply replied 10 years ago

Hit the wrong button
No problem with response

Plumber: Andrew Smith, Engineer replied 10 years ago

No problem - I do not know if it can be changed?

Andrew Smith, Engineer

Category: UK Plumbing

Satisfied Customers: 4,029

Experience: Domestic Gas, Commercial Gas, LPG, Unvented Hot Water, Part P Electrical, Commercial Catering

Verified

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