Press Release

In view of the sharp drop in temperatures expected in the coming weeks, Gesesa recommends users to protect water metres from frost by using temporary covers, especially in mountain areas. It is also important to let a trickle of water run overnight from a tap inside the house. This precaution prevents water from remaining inside the pipes. Without flow, water could freeze and damage the whole system.
In houses or spaces not used in winter (especially those in municipalities located at the foot of the mountains), it is preferable to close the water flow cut-off valve (water stop valve) located near the metre, empty the system of water from the taps and protect the metre with insulating materials.
The most endangered installations are those located outside the buildings, in uninsulated spaces or in rarely used houses, along with fire metres of systems inside the companies' installations.
Lastly, we remember that metre protection is indeed important to prevent water leaks or shortage in the winter season, as the Utility Regulations provide that the metre care and maintenance is the responsibility of the user.
In the event of metre breakage or damages, users are invited to notify Gesesa immediately by calling the 24-hour emergency number at 800 511 717, or by using the MyGesesa application on their smart phones, in the "Guasti e disservizi" (Faults and disruptions) section.

We have also implemented a guide for metre protection from low temperatures, now available on our website www.gesesa.it and on our Facebook page.

Below are few simple tips to prevent damages.

1. Compartments or niches located outside the buildings to protect the metres should be suitably insulated, including the door. It is sufficient to use insulating materials, such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam, which are readily available from building trade dealers. Panels should be at least 2 cm (0.8 in) wide to insulate efficiently. The metres located in unheated spaces should be covered with insulating materials (polystyrene, polyurethane foam or similar).
2. Do not wrap water pipes with glass wool or rags if these are exposed to bad weather conditions. These materials absorb water and can even make the situation worse. They can also be a potential nesting place for insects and dirt.
3. However, any protection must leave the quadrant uncovered to allow those in charge to read the figures.
4. For metres installed in external compartments or niches, unheated or uninhabited spaces, it is preferable to let a trickle of water run form the tap (dropping is sufficient, to avoid unnecessary waste) if the outside temperature is expected to remain below zero for several days.

If the metres are located in uninhabited buildings, it is advisable to close the tap upstream the metre and empty the system.