The frosts have intensified in recent days in southern Finland, putting the thermal insulation in your home’s pipes to the test. Water can stop flowing if the pipe freezes. In the worst case, the expansion of frozen water can damage pipes and cause water damage.
We’ve listed the most important things to consider when it’s getting cold.
Keep the water meter warm
The water meter must be located in a place where the temperature cannot drop below zero. If your water meter is about to freeze, you can temporarily use a hairdryer to prevent freezing. A suitable temperature for a water meter is around five degrees.
A cracked glass window on the water meter indicates freezing. If your water meter has frozen once, don’t defrost it yourself and call a professional to help you, as it may have broken. A damaged meter can lead to water damage.
Drain water regularly
Drain the water from the tap or use the water regularly. Flowing water does not freeze easily. A much safer way to prevent freezing is to install heat resistors inside the pipes. A conductor inside the pipes keeps the water thawed and increases the thermal resistance as the frost intensifies.
If the property is not used during the winter, you should turn off the water supply from the main shut-off valve. Even if the pipe bursts during the winter, the water will not be able to flood indefinitely. Also consider getting a water leakage alarm. Models are available that send an alarm directly to your phone.
Use snow as insulation
Close doors and other openings that let cold air near the pipes. You should also check the pipes’ own insulation. Over the years, they may fall off or end up as rodent food.
In severe frosts, debris can penetrate deep into the ground where the water pipe runs. To improve insulation, you can add snow or other material on top of the soil covering the water pipe.
Perhaps you have experience of frozen pipes from previous years. The best way to prevent pipes from freezing is to get to know the characteristics of your house and prepare for winter properly.
Read more about preparing for the cold snap and take the test here
If your home’s heating network is more than 25 years old or you want to reduce your energy bill, start planning your home’s heating network renovation here.
