Major hot water outage causes concerns for residents in Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, and Kópavogur

Insurance companies are expressing concerns over potential damage resulting from a major hot water outage in the capital region. As of tonight, significant areas, including Hafnarfjörður, Garðabær, Álftanes, most of Kópavogur, Norðlingaholt, Breiðholt, Almannadal, and Hólmsheiði, will experience a lack of hot water for approximately 36 hours.

This outage is due to the shutdown of Suðuræð, a main pipeline transporting hot water from geothermal power plants to the capital area. The interruption is necessary to connect a new pipeline to the distribution system. The system is expected to regain full pressure by Wednesday.

Insurance companies have begun preparations for the outage, as there are fears that damage may occur when hot water is restored. Experts warn that if leaks happen when the water pressure returns, they can cause significant damage swiftly, particularly if no one is home. It is essential for residents to shut off hot water valves in their homes and to label taps to ensure they are properly secured.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through announcements from Veitur, the utility company managing the hot water supply, and to remain home if possible when the water is expected to return on Wednesday around noon. Veitur has set up an information section on its website to provide updates on the situation as it develops.