Risk of Water Meter Freezing Due to Cold Wave
Neglecting Leaks Can Lead to a Water Bill 'Bomb'
On the 24th, when a record-breaking cold wave swept across the country, the concern was not only the cold. It was also common for water meters to freeze or burst due to the sudden drop in temperature.
A water meter is a measuring device attached to the household water supply system, and if it freezes or breaks, water may not flow properly or there may be a risk of leakage. How can water meters be safely protected even on cold winter days?
When temperatures drop below -15°C... Risk of bursting is 'severe'
On the morning of the 18th of last month, a burst water meter is stored at the Jungbu Water Management Office of the Seoul Facilities Corporation in Jongno-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News
Damage to water meters from freezing is common in winter. On the 24th, when temperatures dropped to -17 to -18°C overnight, Seoul City issued the highest risk level of 'severe' for water meter freezing. This means the weather poses the greatest risk of water meter damage, usually declared when temperatures remain below -15°C for two or more consecutive days.
Water meters are devices installed in the water supply system to measure the user's water consumption. Since they are related to flowing water, sudden temperature drops can cause the water inside to freeze, leading to the meter freezing or cracking. This can result in improper water usage or water leakage, which may cause a 'shock' water bill the following month.
Freezing can be prevented with precautionary measures
The frozen Han River due to the cold wave. Water meters are vulnerable to temperatures below minus 10 degrees Celsius. / Photo by Yonhap News
How can water meters be protected from freezing damage? One of the simplest methods is to fill the inside of the meter box containing the water meter with old clothes, towels, or similar items to maximize insulation. In multi-family housing, the meter box is usually located near the entrance and is typically labeled '수도계량기' (water meter).
However, during extreme cold like on the 24th when temperatures fall below -15°C, it helps to leave a tap slightly open so that water flows out in a thin stream. If such preventive measures are not taken during cold weather below -10°C, the water meter can be damaged within a few hours.
One important caution is not to use heat sources such as hair dryers, torches, or lighters to prevent freezing of the water meter. Doing so can cause more serious damage to the meter and also poses a fire hazard.
Most local governments cover full replacement costs
Even if a water meter is damaged, it can be replaced without any cost. In South Korea, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission recommended in 2014 that water service providers cover the replacement costs for frozen water meters. Since then, most local governments have supported free water meter replacement programs.
Seoul also enacted and has been enforcing a water ordinance since October last year that fully covers water meter replacement costs. This ordinance is retroactively applied to costs incurred after December 1, 2021, and Seoul City bears the full replacement cost except in cases where freezing occurred due to negligence such as damage, exposure, or detachment of the meter protection casing.
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