What to do if your Monk Origin is exposed to sub-zero or freezing temperatures?

Origin's are designed to operate between 0°C to 40°C / 33.8°F to 104°F. So it's suitable for use in winter and summer across most locations.

If your Origin system is located in an environment where temperatures are expected to drop below 0°C, it's essential to take steps to prevent potential damage caused by freezing water inside the unit. Here's what you need to know to protect your Origin system and what to do in the event of freezing conditions.

Key Steps to Follow:

1. Keep your Monk Origin on at all times: 
   

• Origin must remain on when the ambient temperature drops below 0°C. This will ensure water is heated to a minimum of 3°C and water/air is constantly circulating through your bath, to avoid freezing in the pipes. 

OR 

1. Drain the System as Normal:
   
   • The most important preventive measure is to drain the Monk Origin system. Draining the system using the standard procedure will remove the majority of water from the pipes and fittings, significantly reducing the risk of freeze-related damage.
     
     
2. Understand the Risks:
   
   • Residual Water: Even after draining, there will still be some water remaining in the system. However, this limited amount of water has room to expand in the pipes if it freezes, which helps reduce the risk of damage.
   • Soft Pipes and Expansion: Most of the pipes in the Monk system are soft (non-metal), allowing for some expansion when ice forms. This flexibility lowers the risk of pipe splitting or fittings being dislodged.

Potential Issues in Extreme Cold:

In the rare case that your Origin system is undrained and exposed to sub-zero temperatures, here's what could happen:

• Pipe Splitting or Fittings Dislodged: Ice expansion may cause soft pipes to split or fittings to pop off. This is an inconvenience but easily repairable. Replacement soft pipes and fittings can be repositioned without much hassle.

• Hard Pipes Damage: The bigger concern is with the hard pipes (such as steel or copper) inside the chiller. These are more susceptible to damage from ice expansion. If any of these hard pipes are damaged, the chiller itself may need to be replaced, as these pipes cannot be easily repaired. This would require support from the Monk servicing and repairs team at cost to you. 

What to Do If You Suspect Damage:

• Inspect the System: After the temperature rises above freezing, visually inspect the Origin system for any obvious signs of pipe splitting or fittings that may have been pushed off their fixings.

• Soft Pipe Repairs: If soft pipes have split or fittings have been dislodged, these can typically be replaced or repositioned with minimal effort.

• Contact Support: If you suspect there is damage to the hard pipes inside the chiller (i.e., steel or copper components), reach out to Monk's customer support team for further assistance, as these will require professional attention and may necessitate a chiller replacement.