Prolonged Cold Wave... Seoul City Extends Frozen Pipe Alert Level Until the 8th

Minimum Temperatures to Remain Below Minus 10 Degrees Celsius
Seoul Extends 'Frozen Water Meter Warning' Until the 8th

As the cold wave continues, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has decided to extend the 'Frozen Water Meter Warning' stage until the 8th.

The city announced that the frozen water meter warning stage, which was issued until 6 PM on the 6th, will be extended until the 8th. This measure comes as the minimum temperature is expected to remain below minus 10 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days this week, leading to an increase in frozen water meter incidents.

On the 9th, when a cold wave advisory was issued across the Seoul metropolitan area including Seoul, office workers wearing thick coats and winter gear are heading to work at the Sejongno intersection in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

From November 15 of last year until 4 AM on this day, a total of 951 cases of frozen water meters occurred in the city. More than half of these, 499 cases, happened during the five days before and after the frozen water meter warning was issued last month.

At temperatures below minus 10 degrees Celsius, even insulating the meter box may not prevent freezing. Running water at a trickle during nighttime or when going out can help prevent freezing. Especially at these temperatures, water must be run at a rate sufficient to fill a disposable paper cup every 30 seconds to prevent water meter freezing and pipe freezing. According to the city, running water for 10 hours at this rate would cost less than 300 won based on household water rates.

At construction sites, if water is not being used, it is recommended to close the water meter valve, disconnect the pipe connections and the rear side of the meter, and drain the water to leave the inside of the meter empty.

Lee Hoe-seung, head of the Seoul Arisu Headquarters, said, "Since February 4, Seoul has been operating a frozen water meter countermeasure situation room to respond to the ongoing cold wave and ensure rapid recovery from freezing incidents," and added, "Freezing can be prevented simply by running water at a trickle in each household, so we ask for active participation and attention from citizens."