ᐅ Multi-day Power Outage as Currently Experienced in Berlin: Risks for Heating Systems and Water Pipes?
Created on: 6 Jan 2026 10:01
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Pianist
Good day!
As you probably know from the news, there is currently an extended power outage in the southern part of Berlin, which started on Saturday and is expected to last until Thursday. This makes me wonder: what impact does a multi-day power outage have on building systems when outside temperatures are below freezing?
Let’s assume that a house in an unprepared state would no longer be habitable by usual standards. The fresh water system can be drained, and the local water supplier can be asked to shut off the supply line in the street. This should take care of that aspect. But what about the circulation water in the heating system? It’s unlikely that every radiator or underfloor heating loop can be completely drained reliably.
How long does it take for a well-insulated house, constructed with materials that have good thermal mass, to freeze enough that there is a risk of heating pipes bursting? The consequences would be severe, potentially requiring the removal of the screed…
So, let’s assume minus ten degrees Celsius (14°F) and a week without power. Are there any experience reports from previous events?
Matthias
As you probably know from the news, there is currently an extended power outage in the southern part of Berlin, which started on Saturday and is expected to last until Thursday. This makes me wonder: what impact does a multi-day power outage have on building systems when outside temperatures are below freezing?
Let’s assume that a house in an unprepared state would no longer be habitable by usual standards. The fresh water system can be drained, and the local water supplier can be asked to shut off the supply line in the street. This should take care of that aspect. But what about the circulation water in the heating system? It’s unlikely that every radiator or underfloor heating loop can be completely drained reliably.
How long does it take for a well-insulated house, constructed with materials that have good thermal mass, to freeze enough that there is a risk of heating pipes bursting? The consequences would be severe, potentially requiring the removal of the screed…
So, let’s assume minus ten degrees Celsius (14°F) and a week without power. Are there any experience reports from previous events?
Matthias
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Oberhäslich7 Jan 2026 10:50Pianist schrieb:
Technically, that is correct. However, my political assessment is different. Terrorists are extremely well informed and know how to cause maximum damage with minimal effort. This problem is likely to increase.Then there is surely a suitable building insurance for you with "all-risk" coverage. It might be cheaper than everything else and save you a lot of headaches.
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Jesse Custer7 Jan 2026 10:57Oberhäslich schrieb:
Then there is surely a suitable building insurance with "all risks" coverage for you as well. It might be cheaper than anything else and save you a lot of trouble.It’s fine in principle – but I admit, I prefer to take preventive measures rather than deal with an insurance company whose main objective is precisely NOT to pay out (no polemics, that is simply the goal of a business-oriented company...).
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nordanney7 Jan 2026 12:14Pianist schrieb:
By the way, you don’t have to be a “prepper” to assess real risks. And what would those be? We have already established that there is no risk from a power outage. I would rather get a weapon to deal with looting (after all, Berlin is known for troublemakers). But all other risks can be objectively considered nonexistent.
If, however, it feels better for you personally, then go ahead.
nordanney schrieb:
I would rather get a weapon to protect myself against looting (especially Berlin is known for troublemakers).And that is something I would not do.
Matthias
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nordanney7 Jan 2026 13:34Pianist schrieb:
And that is something I would avoid doing.
MatthiasBut that is the only objective risk in Berlin *wink*