Protection of water supply systems a necessity

Since it’s winter, it must be cold – such an eternal law of nature… But when the temperature drops below zero, we need to remember more than just a warm sweater and socks or changing tires. Protection of water supply systems is a matter we should not forget. Its components, which are located outside, are exposed to frost. Proper security will help avoid trouble, the small ones, but also the bigger ones.

Protection of water supply systems – whose responsibility is it?

We hear a lot about global warming, which is giving water companies a hard time, especially in the hot summer months. This year, however, winter also showed what it was capable of. Already by the end of November, most of the country was covered with a thick layer of snow, and temperatures dropped well below zero. It’s a particularly difficult time for the water industry. Although pipelines in cities are built at such a depth that they do not freeze, failures are particularly high at this time of year. They are most common during the thaw. This is a result of the movement of thawing soil, which makes the pipes more vulnerable to damage.

Installations on private properties or plots of land are also susceptible to failure. However, in this case, it is up to the property owner or manager to ensure that water connections are in good working order. The same applies to water meter wells and installations in utility rooms. Protecting water supply systems from freezing does not require much commitment. You don’t have to be a plumber to take care of the safety of your own systems.

It should be remembered that the lack of adequate safeguards risks not only freezing of the installation, but also damage and failure. Taking care of the connections or wells reduces the risk of burst pipes and therefore uncontrolled water leakage. Properly executed protection will therefore avoid unnecessary expenses related to defrosting or repair costs. Importantly, it will be the property owner who will have to pay for the remediation of winter neglect, not the water and sewage company. Protecting water supply systems is therefore in the interest of users on many levels.

Simple but effective protection of water supply systems

It doesn’t take much to effectively protect plumbing systems from the effects of winter. A little effort and a small investment can save users from serious consequences. Remember that it is a good idea to protect the water supply connection, nodes, manholes and water meter rooms from frost.

What is frost protection for water supply systems? In the case of utility rooms where the water meter is located, close and seal doors and windows, insert missing glass or secure any gaps in the walls. It’s a good idea to check every nook and cranny and make sure there is no spot that causes heat to escape and risks unforeseen consequences. If you don’t go into such rooms very often, it’s only after a while that you may find that there’s a problem with maintaining a constant, positive temperature. Water meter manholes need to be cleaned of debris and leaves, emptied of lingering water, and insulated the manhole by laying additional insulation, such as Styrofoam.

Water meters or water pipes that pass through unheated spaces should be insulated by wrapping them in fabric or using foam insulation. Water supply systems in cottages or other buildings used only during the summer also deserve attention. In such cases, protecting water supply systems involves closing valves and draining pipes even before the frost period. Also, do not leave water in rubber garden hoses. Keep in mind that as it freezes, it increases its volume and can therefore burst pipes and hoses.

Prevention as a way to have a quiet winter

Construction stores offer special covers or lagging, but in homes or garages you will also find materials that will work well to protect plumbing systems. However, such work should not be left to the last minute. We often don’t realize that even frosts that aren’t too severe can harm the installation. Following a few simple steps, as mentioned above, will save the system owner from serious trouble.