The widespread power outage that recently crippled southwestern Berlin is triggering urgent warnings from industry experts regarding potential widespread damage to vacant properties and infrastructure. The Federal Association of Experts (BVS) is raising serious concerns about massive frost damage and burst water pipes in unoccupied apartments and buildings, a situation exacerbated by the temporary displacement of residents.
Ralf Masuch, the BVS’s federal specialist representative, emphasized the immediate danger to dts Nachrichtenagentur. “When buildings cool down and temperatures in pipework approach freezing point, water within drinking water pipes can freeze, expand and rupture the pipes and fittings-often with significant damage to the building structure and interior” he stated. This isn’t merely a theoretical risk; it’s a predictable consequence when properties are left unheated, he added, a risk frequently only recognized after substantial damage has already occurred.
The power cut has rendered numerous households temporarily uninhabitable, with residents seeking refuge in hotels, emergency shelters, or with family. This widespread displacement has left a significant number of dwellings vacant, creating a fertile ground for the escalation of frost-related risks. Experts predict that even properties not currently inhabited are vulnerable, underlining the potential for a significant and costly wave of repairs.
The BVS is advising residents and property managers to implement proactive measures now. Regular inspections are strongly recommended. Where consistent heating cannot be guaranteed, they urge the complete draining and frost protection of drinking water systems. This practical measure entails shutting off the water supply at the main valve and emptying the pipes wherever possible.
Critically, the BVS is urging against using open flames or inappropriate heating devices to thaw frozen pipes, highlighting the serious fire hazard and potential for further damage. They further advise that after prolonged absence or drainage, shut-off mechanisms should be opened slowly and meticulously inspected for leaks. The situation raises questions about the preparedness of Berlin’s infrastructure to cope with extreme weather events and prolonged power failures and prompts a broader examination of the vulnerability of unoccupied properties within urban environments. The extent of the coming damage and the cost to both residents and the city are currently uncertain.