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Permafrost
Tips to prevent your water pipe from freezing. According to tenants, more and more landlords turn off the taps during the cold season for fear of frozen pipes. However, such precautionary measures are not always justified, even in very cold weather. The tenants' association points out the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords during the cold period:
1. the landlord is obliged to ensure the water supply.
The landlord must prevent the water pipes or the water meter in the cellar – often the coldest point and Achilles' heel – from freezing. He must therefore ensure that the temperature in the cellar room where the water meter is located is not below zero. Therefore: Close and seal the cellar window. If necessary, set up a small heater. In addition, protect the water meter from freezing, for example by wrapping it in jute, straw or similar. If the water meter is frozen and bursts, the landlord must immediately inform the municipal or waterworks fault service. The services work around the clock and replace the water meter immediately. If the landlord takes his time or cannot be contacted, the tenant can notify the city's breakdown service himself at the landlord's expense.
2. if the water supply to the flat is via external pipes, i.e. pipes in the external wall, the following applies:
- Tenants must heat their flat sufficiently and must not allow the masonry to cool down completely.
- During the day, always turn on the tap and let the water run; running water does not freeze so quickly.
- In exceptional cases, the landlord may switch off the water at night. Tenants must be informed of this in good time.
3. if the outside pipes are frozen despite all precautionary measures, an installation company must be notified. They can repair the pipes with thawing equipment. The costs must be borne by the landlord.
Only if ‘refreezing’ of the outside pipes cannot be prevented are the tenant's and landlord's hands tied. In these cases, the only option is to wait for milder weather.