After the condensate pipe froze in the very cold conditions we have experienced recently, the outside pipe was insulated using fibreglass and plastic bags. This is not very sightly and is there anything that we can purchase to insulate the pipe?

Jean Simpson, January 2010

I had the same problem twice over the last two days. You can buy Climaflex pipe insulation insulation at B&Q. It just pops over the pipe. Needs to be cut carefully at corners but does the job. By the way, external condensate pipe should be 32mm, which is supposed to remove the risk of freezing blocking the pipe - but not at -11C!! B&Q don't sell the 32mm Climaflex in-store though, only on-line.

DIYJohn, December 2010

Standard pipe lagging of the right diameter should be available in DIY stores, plumbers merchants, etc.

Charles, January 2010