This winter has seen an unprecedented number of frozen sewer pipes in Finland, leading to extensive damage for homeowners. Lasse Aaltonen, CEO of Saloton Oy, a company specializing in sewer maintenance and repair construction, points out that the issues have been significantly more common compared to last year. Critical periods for sewer functionality include winter vacation times when homeowners may be away and not using hot water, ironically increasing the risk of freezing.

Aaltonen emphasizes the importance of proper insulation for sewer pipes to prevent freezing. Recommendations include installing heating cables and ensuring that a source of hot water is flowing from taps, especially during the winter holidays. The situation is further complicated by a sudden warming trend expected over the weekend, which may exacerbate the existing issues with freezing pipes. Among the various causes for the freezing are inadequate insulation and faulty support within the building structure, which can lead to additional problems should a pipe become weighed down with ice.

In response to the ongoing issues, homeowners are being advised to take proactive measures to safeguard their plumbing systems. As the winter season continues, attention to proper insulation and preventative care will be crucial, particularly as the forecast indicates a fluctuation in temperatures that could impact the condition of sewer pipes.