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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MachsSelbst11 Jan 2026 12:52It is also completely insane to climb onto the roof without any safety measures, even in summer. Roofers can do this because they are trained and experienced in such situations, and even then it is already quite dangerous... In winter, when the roof is icy or covered with snow, such an action can only be described as suicidal...
MachsSelbst schrieb:
It is completely insane to climb onto the roof without any safety measures, even in summer. Roofers can do it because they have experience with such situations, and even then it is already dangerous enough...
In winter, when the roof is icy or covered with snow, such an attempt can only be described as suicidal... Exactly. I do a lot myself, but I refused to install the photovoltaic system. I even rented scaffolding to try climbing onto the roof, but my head said better not. On one side, we have an eaves height of nearly 10 meters (33 feet)...
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Jesse Custer11 Jan 2026 18:15If the system is installed like ours on the carport and only consists of two rows of panels, then it’s not a big deal.
As I said: in the end, the background is what matters.
- in the current weather conditions (heavily covered with snow) and with continuous power supply from the provider at our place, I wouldn’t move an inch – I’m with you on that
- if the house runs without power as an alternative, I skip the complaining and get on the ladder. Period.
As I said: in the end, the background is what matters.
- in the current weather conditions (heavily covered with snow) and with continuous power supply from the provider at our place, I wouldn’t move an inch – I’m with you on that
- if the house runs without power as an alternative, I skip the complaining and get on the ladder. Period.
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MachsSelbst11 Jan 2026 18:50Is it an inverter capable of island operation?
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nordanney13 Jan 2026 14:371. Insurers have a different view. The GDV states:
2. This statement is confirmed by the SHK guild in Berlin
And very recently, from yesterday:
2. Insurers have a different view. The GDV states:
3. This statement is confirmed by the SHK guild in Berlin
And very recently, from yesterday:
2. This statement is confirmed by the SHK guild in Berlin
And very recently, from yesterday:
2. Insurers have a different view. The GDV states:
3. This statement is confirmed by the SHK guild in Berlin
And very recently, from yesterday:
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