Key points:
- Draining water from heating systems is used to protect networks from freezing during cold spells.
- The procedure does not indicate a prolonged absence of heat supply.
- Some buildings in Kyiv were left without heat due to damage caused by a massive attack on 9 January.
- City services are working in emergency mode and are gradually restoring supply.
Draining water from domestic heating systems during frosts is a mandatory technical measure and does not indicate a prolonged absence of heat supply. This was noted by the KCSA.
On the night of 9 January, Kyiv suffered a combined rocket and drone strike for the fourth time since the beginning of winter. According to city authorities, this was the largest attack since the beginning of autumn: 36 ballistic and cruise missiles and nearly 250 drones were launched at the city. As a result of the damage to critical infrastructure, some residential and non-residential buildings were temporarily left without heat supply.
In such conditions, at sub-zero temperatures, the heat carrier in heating systems is deliberately drained to prevent water from freezing and damaging pipes and equipment.
This procedure is used even in cases where heat is expected to be restored within a few hours or a day. It is provided for by the rules of technical operation of thermal installations and has been in force in Ukraine for almost two decades.
The decision to drain the system is made by the person responsible for the operation of the heating networks in agreement with the energy supply organisation. After the damage has been repaired, the heat transfer fluid is returned to the system and heating is restored to normal operation.
The KCSA notes that the situation in the city remains difficult but under control in terms of life support systems.
