Here are tips on how to prevent pipes from freezing and what to do in the event of water damage.
Finnish winter conditions are the touchstone of many properties: zero degrees of humidity and variable frost cause enough problems in themselves, and when the temperature drops well below freezing, all sorts of ailments start to rear their heads - if you're not prepared!
Freezing of pipes usually starts at the edges of the pipe and slowly progresses inwards until the pipe is frozen solid. As the weather cools, the ice expands thermally, causing the pipe to crack. In severe frosts, the frozen pipe may already be damaged, but the ice keeps the pipe tight. When the ice melts, the water damage is already complete. The frost will continue to advance through the structures even after the weather cools. Even if the air warms up, the structures do not have time to warm up and the drop in indoor air temperature also contributes to the freezing of pipes. Most freezing is caused by carelessness, which is why it is essential to prevent pipes from freezing. Pipes should be placed in the right places in the structure, carefully insulated and, in high-risk areas, electrically operated defrosting solutions should be used.
At least according to the clickbait headlines in the tabloids, it seems that every winter it's the frost and slippery conditions that catch motorists by surprise. Likewise, it seems to surprise many Finnish property owners, owners of apartment buildings, detached houses and cottages, every winter. When the frosts are at their worst, pipes freeze and people start calling to find a pipe thawing service - resulting in a thawing spike in 24 Center's customer service.
Instructions to prevent pipes from freezing:
- Keep the water meter temperature above 15 degrees.
- Leave all taps to drain slowly during the hardest frosts.
- Insulate all risky pipes well in advance of frosts.
- Close your windows and doors to save on heating costs. Remember to also close any vents in the underfloor to prevent frost from entering the underfloor and freezing pipes.
- Install electrical resistance in the water pipes.
In case of water damage or frozen pipes, do the following:
- Turn off the tap or main water supply.
- Dry the spilled loose water as thoroughly as possible.
- If you live in a block of flats or a terraced house, report the damage to the property manager or the maintenance company.
- If you live in a detached house, call the 24 Center hotline on 0100 2470, which will assess the situation and send a professional if necessary.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
- If, despite your precautions, your water pipe freezes, please contact the 24 Center emergency service on 0100 2470 and we will come to fix the situation.
