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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MachsSelbst10 Jan 2026 13:35Since the group of preppers is closely connected with Reich citizens, conspiracy theorists, and other radical groups, I find it difficult to distance myself sufficiently from them...
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chand198610 Jan 2026 20:49MachsSelbst schrieb:
By the way, I find it quite impressive how quickly such a major damage to a 110kV power line was repaired. I thought so too. The following discussion was very typically German, though, questioning why better preventative measures weren’t taken. Since Germans are known for willingly paying for precautions whose results aren’t visible.
And whether the cable routing should be publicly disclosed. That was seriously debated.
Since we moved into the house in autumn 2022, we have actually experienced several power outages lasting several hours, including the loss of mobile phone network and mobile data, etc. Our consequences have been: an emergency radio with a crank and solar power, so at least we can stay informed about what is happening, and a stockpile of batteries for flashlights. But our best backup is my parents, who live 5 minutes away and were never affected.
When the power goes out, it gets uncomfortable. A few days without it is manageable, of course... but having running water and no toilet really becomes a serious issue. I have even considered a backup heating system that runs on gas or a small diesel heater. Nothing worse than being cold. We always keep enough food and drinks in the house for at least 1-2 weeks. Ideally, there shouldn’t be any longer disruption to our infrastructure.
And yes, we have emergency power through photovoltaic panels, but without sunlight—because of snow covering the panels—they don’t provide any benefit.
And yes, we have emergency power through photovoltaic panels, but without sunlight—because of snow covering the panels—they don’t provide any benefit.
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Jesse Custer11 Jan 2026 11:29tomtom79 schrieb:
And yes, we have backup power from photovoltaic panels, but without sun, because snow is covering the panels, they’re useless.Honestly?
In a situation like that, you wouldn’t even be able to blink before I’d be up the ladder clearing our panels... in an emergency, every two hours if necessary...
Jesse Custer schrieb:
as if I were on the ladder clearing our modules...You’re definitely one of the few. Most people don’t even climb onto their own roof in summer.