In Q1 2014 alone, MPWiK replaced 30 water metres damaged by freezing temperatures. It must be emphasised that it is the customer who incurs the cost of the operation. The cost is considerable and exceeds 300 PLN.
How to avoid additional spending
It is key that you maintain suitable temperature in the room in which your water metre and water pipes are located."If the appliance is in a cold basement or by an open window, the risk of failure is quite high," says MPWiK Spokesman Konrad Antkowiak."It is important to insulate the room in which your water pipes are located by renovating the walls and weatherstripping both the doors and the windows. Please bear in mind that the temperature in such rooms should not be lower than 4 degrees Centigrade," he adds.
The MPWiK website provides basic advice on how to insulate your water pipes against freezing temperatures.
Water mains that go through cold rooms can be insulated with polystyrene or special insulating covers. You can do the same thing to protect your water metre, but you should use mineral wool or special cover instead. If your water metre is in the drain, you need to check whether the cover is in order and closed properly. You also need to bear in mind to drain those water installations that are used in the summer and lock the valves.
What to do in case of failure
If water freezes and damages the water metre, which in turn results in a leak, you should cut off the water supply and call 994. MPWiK S.A. will replace the metre, but please remember that you will need to cover the cost of the operation.
